Responding to harmful sexual behaviour in schools: the role of educational psychologists

Harmful sexual behaviour (HSB) is common and widespread in United Kingdom (UK) schools. It impacts negatively on children and young people (CYP) who display HSB, as well as on those who are harmed. Although educational psychologists (EPs) may play a role in school and local authority (LA) responses to HSB, little is currently known about their practice in this area. Using a critical realist paradigm, this qualitative research focused on the nature of EPs’ work in relation to HSB. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with eight practising EPs from across the UK, and data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Participants described offering consultation, assessment, action planning and, less frequently, intervention in relation to HSB. Three themes capture the challenges of this work: the emotional reactions and discomfort evoked by the sexual nature of the problem, the risk inherent within the work, and the need to challenge narratives and actions. Three themes detail supportive factors for EPs: access to specialist knowledge, opportunities for multiagency collaboration and supervision, and drawing on professional values. Recommendations for practice to support EPs and educational psychology services when responding to HSB are discussed.