Exploring teachers’ lived experiences of child-on-child harmful sexual behaviour at school: an interpretative phenomenological analysis

Child-on-child harmful sexual behaviour (HSB) at school is highlighted in the literature, although very little known about how teachers experience it. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to address this knowledge gap. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine from two special schools and one mainstream school. The proverb of three wise monkeys as an analogy aid sense-making capture essence teachers’ lived experiences child-on-child HSB, revealing it not seen, heard or spoken about. Instead, HSB accepted expected part day because recognised paid attention to, whilst school, due a lack understanding. A training, support sharing information compounded fears for personal safety, careers reputation. Implications multi-agency professionals are discussed.