19/03/2026
Sexual behaviour in children and adolescents is one of the most sensitive and complex areas school counselors and psychologists encounter — often leaving professionals balancing developmental understanding, ethical responsibility, and the need to ensure safety. At Reflect Within’s 26th Continuous Psychological Education (CPE) Programme, “Handling Sexual Behavior in Schools: From Normal Curiosity to Concerning Patterns – What Can a Counselor Do?”, we had the privilege of learning from Dr. Mansi Jain, Child Psychiatry specialist and Co-founder of Manarogya Psychiatry Clinic, Mumbai. Drawing from over a decade of clinical experience, fellowship training at TNMC & BYL Nair Hospital, and expertise inmedicolegal systems, she helped us understand the continuum of sexual development - from normative curiosity and exploration to behaviours that may signal distress, exposure, or deeper psychological concerns.
What made this session particularly meaningful was the reminder that our role goes beyond categorizing behaviours as “normal” or “problematic.” It is about understanding the child’s context, responding with sensitivity, upholding ethical and legal responsibilities, and creating spaces where children feel safe, supported, and guided. We reflected on confidentiality with minors, mandatory reporting, the impact of digital exposure, gender and identity exploration, and the importance of managing our own emotional responses as clinicians. We remain deeply grateful to Dr. Mansi for her generosity in sharing her expertise, and to the community of professionals committed to learning, unlearning, and showing up for children with compassion and responsibility. 🌱
SexualBehavior
