Child on Child Abuse
Child on Child Abuse
Young people can abuse other children, this can happen in school, the local community and online. Child on child abuse can upset and hurt others both physically and emotionally, these affects can sometimes have a lasting impact on wellbeing.
Forms of Abuse
Bullying is the most obvious form of abuse and can include:
- physical abuse (hitting, kicking, etc.)
- verbal abuse
- cyberbullying
- prejudice-based and discriminatory abuse
Child on Child abuse includes wider forms of abuse such as exploitation, manipulation or control, harassment and cruelty.
Young people may not initially be able to recognise all forms of abuse because they don’t understand it or recognise it is happening. They may believe it to be ‘messing’, ‘joking’ or ‘banter’.
Other forms of abuse include:
- abuse/controlling behaviour in friendships and personal relationships between peers
- sexual violence such as assault by penetration, sexual assault, or causing someone to engage in sexual activity without consent. This can include an online element which facilitates, threatens and/or encourages sexual violence
- sexual harassment such as sexual comments, remarks, jokes and online sexual harassment. This may be standalone or part of a broader pattern of abuse
- consensual and non-consensual sharing of nude and semi-nude images or videos (also known as ‘sexting’ or youth produced sexual imagery)
- ‘Up skirting’
- criminal exploitation, county lines
Responsibility of Staff
All Hazel Grove Primary School staff must be knowledgeable about Child on Child abuse.
It is important that all staff:
- contribute to a school culture which is compassionate, respectful and committed to protecting young people from Child on Child abuse
- understand how and when to log any Child on Child abuse on CPOMS
- can offer support and guidance to pupils who may have experienced a form of child on child abuse
- understand the importance of challenging inappropriate behaviours between peers that are actually abusive in nature
- do not underestimate behaviour between peers, or dismiss potential abuse as “banter”, “just having a laugh”, or “part of growing up”
- respond to child on child abuse calmly and professionally
- recognise the impact of wider societal factors, such as everyday sexist language and stereotypes, on young people’s attitudes
- are good role models throughout the school
Harmful Sexual Behaviour
We are committed to providing a school culture that is compassionate, respectful and dedicated to protecting young people from child on child abuse and harmful sexual behaviour.
Staff will strive to respond quickly and efficiently to inappropriate behaviour (even if it appears to be relatively innocuous) as this can be a crucial intervention that helps prevent problematic, abusive and/or violent behaviour in the future.
Hazel Grove Primary School educates staff and pupils on how to recognise this behaviour.
The school recognises the impact of wider societal factors, such as everyday sexist language and stereotypes, on young people’s attitudes. Staff will educate, respond to and challenge any pupils who display these attitudes at Hazel Grove Primary School.
Young people who may have been subjected to inappropriate behaviours will always be taken seriously and given support and reassurances they require.
For further support with online Harmful Sexual Behaviour view the schools online sexual exploitation page.
Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP): support and guidance for harmful sexual behaviour
Barnardo’s: A parent guide to harmful sexual behaviour
The Education People: Information, advice and resources for harmful sexual behaviour