'I Didn't Mean to...': Practical Suggestions for Understanding and Teaching Students with Sexualized Behavior

There is no definitive research on how many students display sexualized behavior in schools. Sexually inappropriate behavior includes using sexual language, gestures, or noises, engaging in pretend play that simulates sex, making sexual invitations to others, inappropriately touching another person, or masturbating in the classroom. These behaviors are relatively rare but can be very upsetting to teachers, who often do not know what to do, and can put the student on a fast track to a self-contained classroom or out-of-district placement because of understandable concerns about protecting other children. Students with sexualized behavior present many challenges to teachers, but when teachers have appropriate responses to such behaviors, they can help students learn to respect personal boundaries, form healthy relationships, and function better in school.