17/10/2023
About s*xual development and behaviour at 12-14 years
Sexual development starts from birth. It includes physical changes like puberty, the attitudes and beliefs children develop about s*x and s*xuality, and their s*xual behaviour.
Sexual behaviour varies depending on teenagers’ development, social relationships, cultural background, and personal and family experiences. But it’s common for teenagers to become more curious about s*x and s*xuality as they develop.
For teenagers aged 12-14 years, s*xual curiosity and experimentation might include:
ma********ng in private for s*xual pleasure
having intimate relationships with same-age peers
showing physical affection towards same-age peers, including kissing, hugging and fondling
consensually taking and sharing photos of themselves in ‘s*xy’ poses while clothed with same-age peers.
Your child might behave in these ways because it feels good. They might also do it because they’re:
feeling curious about s*xual affection
working out social and s*xual relationships
experiencing puberty
exploring their identity.
