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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can describe what harmful sexual behaviour is, explain the law around it and explain where to get support.

      Key learning points

      1. Harmful sexual behaviour (HSB) is inappropriate sexual behaviour which is harmful and abusive.
      2. Sexual violence can escalate and begin as sexist jokes or comments.
      3. 90% of girls and nearly 50% of boys have been sent explicit pictures or videos of things they did not want to see.
      4. There are laws to protect people from harmful sexual behaviour.
      5. Harmful sexual behaviour can take different forms, including: harassment, upskirting, coercion and manipulation.

      Keywords

      • Sexual harassment - unwanted words, actions or behaviours of a sexual nature that make someone uncomfortable, upset or afraid

      Common misconception

      It is acceptable to take, have or share sexual imagery of anyone over the age of 16.

      Whilst the age of consent is 16, it is illegal to take, have or share sexual imagery of anyone under the age of 18.

      Teacher tip

      You may want to work with your RSHE or DSL lead to adapt this lesson to the needs of your school and community before delivery.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

      Depiction or discussion of sexual violence

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

      Depiction or discussion of sexual violence

      Depiction or discussion of sexual content

      Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the words to the correct definition.

      Correct Answer:boundary,an imaginary line separating what we will and won't allow

      an imaginary line separating what we will and won't allow

      Correct Answer:online safety,being aware of the dangers or threats you could encounter when online

      being aware of the dangers or threats you could encounter when online

      Correct Answer:Equality Act (2010),a law that protects people from discrimination

      a law that protects people from discrimination

      Q2.
      If you see harmful behaviour online, what should you do?

      Ignore it and pretend it didn't happen.
      Correct answer: Report the account responsible.
      Say something harmful back and hope they stop doing it.
      Correct answer: Block the account responsible.

      Q3.
      There can be serious for making inappropriate, upsetting or harmful comments online.

      Correct Answer: consequences

      Q4.
      Match the type of person to the role they have in harmful behaviour or bullying.

      Correct Answer:passive bystander,someone who does nothing when something bad happens

      someone who does nothing when something bad happens

      Correct Answer:perpetrator,an individual who has committed a harmful act

      an individual who has committed a harmful act

      Correct Answer:victim,someone who experiences a harmful act

      someone who experiences a harmful act

      Correct Answer:active bystander,someone who takes action when something bad happens

      someone who takes action when something bad happens

      Q5.
      Which of these statements about harmful acts online is accurate?

      Harmful acts that happen online are no big deal, just log off.
      Correct answer: Harmful acts that happen online can have a serious effect on the victim.
      If you commit a harmful act online you can't be punished for it.
      Correct answer: There are laws that protect people from harmful acts online.

      Q6.
      Which of the following statements about boundaries are not accurate?

      Correct answer: We only need boundaries in a romantic relationship.
      We should respect other people's boundaries.
      Correct answer: People should respect our boundaries, we don't have to worry about theirs.
      Boundaries are important in all our relationships.

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the words to the correct defintion.

      Correct Answer:sexual harassment,unwanted words, actions or behaviours of a sexual nature

      unwanted words, actions or behaviours of a sexual nature

      Correct Answer:coercion,trying to persuade someone to do something by using threats or force

      trying to persuade someone to do something by using threats or force

      Correct Answer:manipulation,when someone influences another's behaviour by exploiting emotions

      when someone influences another's behaviour by exploiting emotions

      Q2.
      Which of these statements is accurate about the experience of pupils aged 11-18 according to a recent Ofsted study?

      No one is sent sexual images that they don't want to see.
      Correct answer: 90% of girls have been sent sexual images against their consent.
      Only girls receive sexual content against their consent.
      Correct answer: Nearly half of boys have been sent sexual images against their consent.

      Q3.
      Which of these statements about harmful sexual behaviour are accurate?

      Correct answer: Sexual violence can escalate and begin as sexist jokes or comments.
      Everyone is at equal risk of harmful sexual behaviour.
      Correct answer: Upskirting is an example of harmful sexual behaviour.

      Q4.
      If you are concerned for your immediate safety, or feel in danger as a result of harmful sexual behaviour, you should call ...

      Correct Answer: 999, the police, the emergency services

      Q5.
      There are to protect people from harmful sexual behaviour.

      Correct Answer: laws

      Q6.
      Which of the following statements is true? It is ...

      legal to take, have or share sexual imagery of anyone over the age of 16
      Correct answer: illegal to take, have or share sexual imagery of anyone under the age of 18
      illegal to own a smartphone with a camera before the age of 14

      To help you plan your 8 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Harmful sexual behaviour, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...