Sexual Development in Children

In 2017, MNCASA released a report on identifying and treating children with sexual behavior problems. The findings showed that there was a need for greater understanding around sexual development and sexual behaviors in children. This resource was developed in hopes of creating a better understanding of healthy and problematic sexual development in children.

It can be difficult to recognize that, like adults, children are sexual beings. Children will be curious about sex, sexuality, and the human body, which can make it challenging to know whether a certain behavior is considered healthy or problematic. Below is some general information on common and uncommon behaviors based on age groups and suggestions for conversations that parents can have with their children to help encourage healthy sexual development