Concerning Behavior in Children

As a parent or caregiver, it can be hard to determine which behaviors are concerning. Here is a list of behaviors adapted and selected from the Child Sexual Behavior Inventory (CSBI). The CSBI was specifically developed as an assessment tool for children 12 years and younger referred for sexual behavior problems.

1. Wants parents or adults to show sexual behaviors

2. Sneaks to watch adults engage in sexual activity

3. Sneaks to watch pornography

4. Seems to go to unfamiliar adults too easily

5. Rubs body against people or object while others are around

6. Scratches private parts when others are around

7. Goes or tries to go into toilet stalls with other children

8. Shows "private parts" to adults

9. Tries to undress other children or adults

11. Asks adults to take inappropriate pictures

12. Strokes or rubs the clothes or hair of adults

13. Engages younger children in non-consensual sexual play or engages children their age who are developmentally delayed

14. Rubs or tries to rub the chest or breast of adults

15. Coerces, forces, bribes, manipulates, or threatens others

16. Behaves in a manner that is more sexually advanced than children their age

17. Receive complaints about behaviors

18. Cause pain or discomfort to self or others

19. Masturbates with others around

20. Puts or tries to put objects in vagina or anus

21. Uses sexual words in an angry way around children or adults

22. Makes sexual sounds (sighing, moaning)

23. Shows sexual behaviors using toys and other objects

24. Does not respect the boundaries of others: may touch, hit, step over, or take other people’s things

25. Imitates sexual intercourse with other clients

26. Takes off most or all clothes to go to the bathroom (even in a public restroom)

27. Drop pants; shows bottom, penis, or vagina; then runs away

28. Tries to peek at children when they are in the bathroom or bedroom

29. Asks adults to touch their “private parts”

30. Kisses or tries to kiss adults not in the family

31. Rubs or tries to rub the leg or thigh of adults

32. Tries to film children and adults in a compromising position related to the above

33. Has knowledge of sex beyond their developmental level

34. Will not stop actions at another child’s or adult’s request to stop