Starting Too Late: The Need for Earlier Interventions to Address Peer Sexual Harassment in Australia
Tracks
MONARCH ROOM - In-Person & Virtual via OnAIR
| Tuesday, March 17, 2026 |
| 2:05 PM - 2:35 PM |
Overview
Gabrielle Hunt, Australian Catholic University
Presenter
Mrs Gabrielle Hunt
Research Associate
Australian Catholic University
Starting Too Late: The Need For Earlier Interventions To Address Peer Sexual Harassment In Australia
Presentation Overview
Peer sexual harassment (PSH) is a pervasive and gendered issue in Australian schools. Our findings from the Australian Child Maltreatment Study (ACMS) revealed that one in ten Australians reported experiencing PSH during childhood. Gender-diverse individuals (24.0%, 95% CI: 15.5-35.2%) and women (15.3%, 95% CI: 14.0-16.7%) experienced significantly higher rates of PSH compared to men (5.0%, 95% CI: 4.3-5.9%). For those targeted with PSH there can be serious long-term consequences including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse, and post-traumatic stress disorder. PSH victimisation also increases the risk for later bullying, harassment, and sexual violence victimisation by peers and dating partners.
Moreover, our research revealed PSH victimisation often begins much earlier than traditional formal interventions such as sex education are typically introduced. Existing programs, particularly those focused on sex education, largely target older adolescents and emphasise broad topics like consent and respectful relationships. This leaves a significant gap in addressing the experiences of younger children, who are often already exposed to harmful sexual behaviours by their peers.
This presentation will argue for the urgent need to introduce sex education earlier in primary school, with content tailored to address the specific risks faced by marginalised groups, including girls and LGBTQIA+ youth. Strategies for implementing age-appropriate, inclusive, and comprehensive education will be explored, with a focus on teaching children about body. autonomy, boundaries, and respect in ways that are developmentally appropriate. Additionally, the need to equip educators with tools to recognise and address gendered harassment early will be discussed. By integrating these concepts into the curriculum at a younger age, schools can more effectively prevent harmful behaviours and foster safer, more inclusive environments for all students. This presentation aims to challenge current policy frameworks and advocate for more proactive and inclusive approaches to prevention.
Three Key Learnings:
1. Peer sexual harassment starts earlier than current prevention efforts. Many children experience PSH before formal sex education begins, highlighting a critical gap in existing prevention frameworks.
2. PSH is a gendered problem. Girls and LGBTQIA+ youth are disproportionately targeted, with higher risks for long-term mental health harms and future victimisation.
3. Early, inclusive education is essential. Age-appropriate, primary-level teaching on body autonomy, boundaries, and respect, supported by educator training, can help disrupt harmful behaviours before they become entrenched.
Moreover, our research revealed PSH victimisation often begins much earlier than traditional formal interventions such as sex education are typically introduced. Existing programs, particularly those focused on sex education, largely target older adolescents and emphasise broad topics like consent and respectful relationships. This leaves a significant gap in addressing the experiences of younger children, who are often already exposed to harmful sexual behaviours by their peers.
This presentation will argue for the urgent need to introduce sex education earlier in primary school, with content tailored to address the specific risks faced by marginalised groups, including girls and LGBTQIA+ youth. Strategies for implementing age-appropriate, inclusive, and comprehensive education will be explored, with a focus on teaching children about body. autonomy, boundaries, and respect in ways that are developmentally appropriate. Additionally, the need to equip educators with tools to recognise and address gendered harassment early will be discussed. By integrating these concepts into the curriculum at a younger age, schools can more effectively prevent harmful behaviours and foster safer, more inclusive environments for all students. This presentation aims to challenge current policy frameworks and advocate for more proactive and inclusive approaches to prevention.
Three Key Learnings:
1. Peer sexual harassment starts earlier than current prevention efforts. Many children experience PSH before formal sex education begins, highlighting a critical gap in existing prevention frameworks.
2. PSH is a gendered problem. Girls and LGBTQIA+ youth are disproportionately targeted, with higher risks for long-term mental health harms and future victimisation.
3. Early, inclusive education is essential. Age-appropriate, primary-level teaching on body autonomy, boundaries, and respect, supported by educator training, can help disrupt harmful behaviours before they become entrenched.
Biography
Gabrielle is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Australian Catholic University and registered psychologist. Her PhD research and ongoing work focuses on the prevalence and prevention of child sexual abuse and sexual harassment, with a particular focus on faith-based settings and improving safeguarding approaches. Gabrielle's research and ongoing work are informed by her experience as a psychologist working with survivors of child sexual abuse as well as young people engaging in harmful sexual behaviours.
