Which conduct constitutes suspected child sexual abuse?

• A. Non-sexual misconduct between students.
• B. A minor incident that does not involve safety concerns.
• C. Conduct that may also constitute sexual harassment.
• D. Verbal criticism of a teacher.

Answer: (C)

When evaluating suspected child sexual abuse, focus on conduct that could involve sexual activity or exploitation of a student. If the behavior may also constitute sexual harassment, it signals a potential sexual basis for the misconduct, which requires reporting. Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other conduct of a sexual nature that affects a student’s safety and well-being. Seeing that connection—that the behavior could be sexual in nature or harassing—means it falls under situations that must be reported to protect the student.

Non-sexual misconduct between students, or a minor incident with no safety concerns, does not raise sexual abuse concerns by itself. Verbal criticism of a teacher is unrelated to sexual activity and likewise would not constitute suspected sexual abuse.