Forum and new training to address harmful behaviours in children

Before continuing to read this piece, readers should be aware that the content of this article may prove distressing, and should consider their own circumstances before continuing to engage. A list of support services has been provided at the conclusion of the article.

South Australia is leading efforts to tackle harmful sexual behaviours (HSB) among children and young people, launching new research-informed training for foster and kinship carers alongside a high-profile forum hosted in Adelaide.

Held by Healthy Development Adelaide on 17 July, the forum featured national experts including 2025 SA Australian of the Year and Director of the Australian Centre for Child Protection (ACCP), Professor Leah Bromfield, sharing strategies to understand, prevent and respond to HSB.

The forum coincides with the release of a new suite of training resources, developed by ACCP and supported by the South Australian and Western Australian governments. Around 3,000 foster and kinship carers in South Australia will gain access to the training, which aims to build knowledge and confidence in recognising inappropriate behaviours, understanding contributing factors, and responding effectively.

Harmful sexual behaviours refer to actions by children or young people that fall outside developmentally appropriate norms, and may involve coercion, force or actions that cause harm to themselves or others.

Addressing these behaviours requires informed, early intervention. Experience, training and practical tools are critical for those working closely with children including carers, so they can identify when behaviours signal deeper issues and respond safely and appropriately.

The Malinauskas Government has made child safety a key policy priority, with this training and research forming part of broader reform to the state’s child protection and family support systems. Funding has been directed to ACCP’s research partnership with the WA Government to explore the causes, impacts and therapeutic responses to HSB.

Minister for Child Protection Katrine Hildyard said addressing harmful sexual behaviours is essential to preventing child sexual abuse.

“The fact that Australia’s fastest-growing form of child sexual abuse is that between children is deeply troubling and a call to action,” she said.

“We must equip our generous foster and kinship carers with the tools to understand these behaviours and feel confident in their response. That’s exactly what this training and tonight’s forum are about.”

Ms Hildyard also referenced findings from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, which highlighted the role of peer-perpetrated behaviours in broader patterns of abuse.

Professor Leah Bromfield, Director of ACCP, emphasised the influence of digital culture on children’s understanding of relationships, gender roles and sexual behaviour.

“About half of all child sexual abuse today is caused by other children,” she said.

“Children today are growing up in a different world shaped by online misogyny, violent pornography and the resurgence of outdated gender norms. These factors are accelerating the prevalence of harmful sexual behaviours.”

“Adults need to understand the landscape young people are navigating, how to spot warning signs, and what to do if they’re concerned about a child’s behaviour.”

The release of the training and forum mark a critical step forward in a coordinated, research-driven approach to address HSB across systems of care and protection.

Read the South Australian announcement here.

If you, or someone you know, is impacted by child sexual abuse or online exploitation, support services are available.