Online safety and sexual development guidance

This guidance is designed to help professionals who advise and support families to understand how the online experiences of children (including teenagers under 18) impact their sexual development and relationships.

The guidance is presented as a 'continuum' from birth to 18 years. It describes children's sexual development at different stages and provides practical strategies to help them develop safely and confidently online and offline. 

On this page:

• How the continuum can help
• The structure of the continuum
• Download the continuum

Today’s children are growing up in a digital world. They use online devices and platforms to learn, play and connect with friends and family. As children grow, the things they see and do online affect them. However, it can sometimes be hard for families and the people who support them to understand what children are likely to encounter, and how this may influence their development. For example, algorithms can keep them endlessly scrolling, quietly shaping what they see, believe and even who they think they should be – especially if the content is violent, racist or sexist.

The depth and complexity of children’s online experiences can seem overwhelming for families, as well as the professionals who support them. This continuum gives practical context to the evidence on children's sexual development, helping users recognise potential concerns and guide families with confidence.

The continuum is structured across two tables and organised into five age groups and four developmental domains. 

The first table provides an overview of child sexual development across each age range, including behaviours that may be expected and behaviours that require attention or intervention.

The second table explores four areas of development in more detail, helping users understand what children may experience online at different ages and how they can support appropriate conversations, activities and responses:

• Culture, social norms and sexuality includes a focus on human rights, as well as gender norms and gender-based violence.
• Bodies, consent and privacy includes puberty, body image, and how privacy and consent apply in online spaces.
• Relationships includes norms, peer influences, communication and respect in family, friendships and romantic relationships.
• Sexual literacy includes sexual health and education, media portrayals of sex and relationships and online pornography.

The age groups are intended as a guide only. When using the continuum, consider the developmental stage of the child you are supporting, as this may not always align with age.

Advice should always be tailored to each child's individual needs, maturity, emotional readiness and circumstances.

The latest version of the continuum (August 2026) has been updated to be more inclusive of children with disability and developmental differences, with additional advice to help professionals adapt support to a range of needs.

The continuum is primarily intended as a reference resource for professionals in organisations, services and practices who support parents, carers and children. It is designed to be used as needed, rather than read cover to cover, helping users respond to questions, concerns and developmental issues as they arise.

Families may also find it useful when seeking more detailed information about children’s sexual development and online safety. 

For more tailored parenting advice, we encourage parents and carers to visit the Parents section of the eSafety website.