Children sexually abuse other children - Essay Example

Gender and sexual issues ` Children sexually abuse other children Many people are aware of the risk of sexual abuse that adults present to their children. There has being a growing understanding that the vast majority of children are sexually abused by someone they know and even trust. But it’s so unfortunate that very few adults that children can present a risk to other children. In fact a third of all sexual abuse of children are committed by someone under the age of 18. This can be a difficult issue to address, partly because it’s often challenging to think of children are capable of sexually abusing others.

It is always also not possible to tell the difference between natural sexual, curiosity and potential abusive behaviors (Kogan, 2005). Young children engage in inappropriate interaction without understanding the hurtful impact it has on others. The reasons why children harm others are usually complicated, varied and not always obvious. Some are emotional, sexually or physically abused themselves, while others might have witnessed emotional violence at home. Whatever the reason, it is important to know the dynamics of the sexual abuse of children by other children.

First children experience nightmares, sleep problem, extreme fears without possible explanation. They also have sudden or unexplained personality changes; seems angry, moody, withdraw, or show significant changes in their eating habits (Kogan, 2005). Older children alone tend to behave like younger children, e.g. thumb-sucking or bedwetting. Some children even develop a fear of particular places or they don’t want to be left alone with a particular child or just young person for no unknown reasons.

Others resist bathing, toileting or removing clothes even in appropriate situations. Other dynamics include stomach aches or illness, using adult words for body parts; engaging in adult like sexual activities with toys, objects or other children (Kogan, 2005). Sexuality education Sexuality education is the process of acquiring information and developing altitudes and beliefs about sex, relationships, sexual identity and intimacy. Sexuality education is about developing young people skills so that in the future they can be able to make an informed decision about their behavior, and feel confident and complete when acting on those choices.

Age at which sex education should start at public schools Sex education should start early, before young people establish patterns of behavior, and before they reach puberty, usually at the age of 13 to 18 years. But still exact age when this information should be provided depends on emotional, physical and intellectual development of young people as well as the level of understanding. Public and community education constitute one of the most appropriate channel to teach sexuality. It is in the community where the traditions, values and cultures are developed.

This means that community is the main avenue through which behavioral change can be achieved (United Nations Joint Programme on HIV and AIDS, 1987). The information to include in the curriculum 1. Sexual development and reproduction. This is where the physical and emotional changes that are usually associated with puberty and sexual reproduction are taught. 2. Contraception and birth control. In this case, various aspects related to contraceptives are taught. These include what contraceptives are, how they work and how they are used. 3. Relationships.

It is important to sensitize the young people about the various forms of relationship and their implications. They should also be sensitized about the law relating to sexual behavior and relationships Sex education can take place in a variety of setting, both in and out of school. Usually in these different settings, different people have the responsibility of developing and approving sexuality education to young people. This includes the parents or the cares, teachers and young people (Kirby, 2001).

References Kogan, S. (2005). The Role of Disclosing Child Sexual Abuse on Adolescent Adjustment and Revictimization. Journal of Child Sexual Abuse 14 (2): 25–47. United Nations Joint Programme on HIV and AIDS (1987). Impact of HIV and Sexual Health Education on the Sexual Behaviour of Young People: a Review Update. [UNAIDS Best Practice Collection] Geneva: UNAIDS. Institute of Medicine, Committee on HIV Prevention Strategies in the United States (2001). No Time to Lose: Getting More from HIV Prevention.

Washington, DC: National Academy Press. Kirby D. (2001). Emerging Answers: Research Findings on Programs to Reduce Teen Pregnancy. Washington, DC: National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy.