Child sexual abuse is something that can be very terrifying for a child and could potentially destroy the child’s ability to function normally throughout the rest of their lives due to the aversive emotional implications. It could lead to maladaptive behavior as the child matures and becomes an adult. Nevertheless, there are specific cues to look at in cases where a teacher, parent, guardian, or anyone concerned is in suspicion of such abuse-taking place.
As the school counselor, there are a number of things to consider in the case of Brendon and Kyle; this is because making the wrong call could potentially destroy the lives of these children. On the other hand, ignoring the behavior could also mean allowing whatever is going on to carry on which might not only affect the credibility of the teacher and counseling profession, but will lead to aversive effects in the lives of the boys and possibly others around them.
First off, it is necessary to identify that there is some type of sexual behavior that is expected in children the age of this two boys.
In order to explain this to the teacher, I would include several facts that have been researched and proven. Among these include the fact that children are human beings, and as such are extremely curious creatures. They are almost experiencing everything for the first time so it becomes normal for them to be interested in seeing naked bodies, both their own and that of others not limited to their age mates. They may touch themselves, or appear to rub and masturbate themselves, which is used as a technique to sooth themselves. It is also not uncommon to find children consensually engage genital exploration with other children their age. The children might also show curiosity when it comes to adult genitalia and especially of the opposite sex. Hence, boys might try to peek at times under dresses or try and see their mother nude. This is a perfectly normal thing for this age and in fact, Freud’s theories relating to sexuality support this argument.
However, the fact that all this is normal does not rule out potential sexual abuse (Hornor, 2004). Thus, some more intricate details in the child’s behavior need to be observed. These are considered to be unhealthy behaviors. Such behavior as detailed speech and description of adult-like sexual actions, sexual contact with adults or other children that is adult-like and use of explicit sexual language.
More warning signs include; acting out inappropriately with objects and toys, sleeping problems as well as nightmares, sudden outbursts of rage, change in how the child eats, withdrawal and clinginess, insecurity, personality changes and mood swings low self-esteem among others (Lalor & McElvaney, 2010). Being that the teacher is with the students more often she can be in a position to take keen notice if any of the red flags are present. If the child is acting out in some of these ways and the toilet incident is more than just the first instance then the next step could be to bring the children in separately to see the counselor for a better assessment. Several inventories can be used, also other techniques used to question children of this age such as asking them to draw pictures.
Because there is lack of previous a previous occurrence of this nature in the case study, I as the professional would advise the teacher to check for more warning signs. If none come up the next thing to do would be to call in the parents and have a session with them regarding the child’s behavior, and basically tell them how they can teach their children about themselves using age appropriate words and terms.
If however by chance the teacher catches another warning sign, or maybe this is not the first instance and after bringing the children for an assessment, it is found that there is potential abuse, the authorities would have to be involved immediately. Especially since it is impossible to tell what the person abusing the child might do if he or she finds out the teachers and the school know what’s going on.
On the issue regarding sexuality and sexual orientation of the boys, I would explain to the teacher the various aspects of research in this area that might shed some light on the matter. However, again it would still be appropriate to carry out more assessments on the boys to figure out their sexual orientation as well as include their parents-once the issue of sexual abuse is out of the way-to discuss on how the boys behave at home.
The concept of gender and gender roles is one that can develop even as early as age five in children (Martin & Ruble, 2004). The fact that these two boys are exploring their genitalia does not have a direct implication on their sexual orientation. There are many things to consider when it comes to trying to figure out whether the children could be gay or not.
Studies have shown that it is very common to find children role playing, and they might even take different roles with regard to their gender. Boys might dress up like girls, and the girls might dress up like boys. Children are very imaginative and will constantly put their imagination to task. Some of the reasons for role-playing, apart from the fun and exploration of kids is the influence of an older sibling who might be of the opposite sex. Bellow 9 years of age children will play such games and even preschoolers will copy things they might have seen adults do. However, this has no direct bearing on how they will behave or orient sexually when they mature up.
My recommendation to this teacher is to have an open mind, not jump to any conclusions quickly, or act in a way that might jeopardize any kind of investigation on sexual abuse. She should look for more potential signals and red flags and if there is nothing to do with sexual abuse, then parents, teachers and counselors can work together to teach the children in an age appropriate way about their sexuality and what cannot be acceptable in terms they can understand depending on their values.
Reference
Hornor, G. (2004). Sexual behavior in children: Normal or not? Journal of Pediatric Health Care. http://doi.org/10.1016/S0891-5245(03)00154-8
Lalor, K., & McElvaney, R. (2010). Child Sexual Abuse, Links to Later Sexual Exploitation/High-Risk Sexual Behavior, and Prevention/Treatment Programs. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 11(4), 159–177. http://doi.org/10.1177/1524838010378299
Martin, C. L., & Ruble, D. (2004). Children’s Search for Gender Cues: Cognitive Perspectives on Gender Development. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 13(2), 67–70. http://doi.org/10.1111/j.0963-7214.2004.00276.x
