Literature review on children and young people demonstrating technology-assisted harmful sexual behavior

Abstract

Abstract The review examines existing literature around the concept of technology-assisted harmful sexual behavior (TA-HSB) as demonstrated by children and young people. This is when a child or young person demonstrates sexual behavior online or through the use of technology that may be harmful to themselves or others, have a significant detrimental impact on their daily functioning, or leave them vulnerable for criminal prosecution. The review was motivated by the increase of children and young people referred to a sexual abuse service, due to their demonstration of TA-HSB. This review aimed to explore theories relating to TA-HSB and to develop awareness on identified treatment needs of these behaviors, so that professionals may better understand and support children and young people demonstrating them. Furthermore, it discusses assessment, intervention and risk management approaches as currently identified within best-practice, to support towards prevention of future criminalization and further victimization. The review initially aimed to include current literature based on children and young people (aged 5 to 21 years old) demonstrating TA-HSB; however due to the limited availability of this, the search parameters were expanded with tentative consideration on the implications of this when working with children and young people.