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What is PSB-CY and what is not?

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There are guidelines for the Army when sexual behavior has been reported. The behavior may be classified as (1) normative (i.e., not out of the ordinary given children’s age and development), (2) cautionary (unsuitable for the child or youth’s age or situation, or (3) problematic (out of bounds in terms of harm or emotional effects upon others).

Normative

Voluntary, infrequent, spontaneous
Easily diverted when adults tell children to stop and explain privacy rules
Interaction that involves sexual body parts between children of the same general age and physical size
Occurs among children who know each other
Not accompanied by strong uncomfortable or upset feelings
Cautionary

Not suitable for the location (e.g., school, faith community) Normative behavior, but more frequent than typical for the child’s ageNot currently harmful or distressing to self or othersOccurs despite adult intervention
Typical sexual behavior, but technology is involved, such as taking pictures of private parts
Problematic

Causes harm or potential harm or distress to any child
Involves strong, upset feelings, such as anger or anxiety
Occurs among children of different ages or functioning
Continues to occur despite intervention by caregivers or other guiding adults
Preoccupied with sexual content and topics

These guidelines are not inclusive of all possible behaviors in the three categories. Other behaviors can be considered based on the circumstances of incidents and mitigating factors of the child(ren) or youth and the families.