'Sexualised behaviour' reported in Oz primary school

Melbourne, Dec 4 (ANI): It has recently emerged that incidents of "sexualised behaviour" between students from one Queensland primary school is on the rise.

From the 18 incidents that took place, eleven were deemed serious enough to be reported to the police, while seven were not.

The incidents at the unnamed school in Brisbane's northern outskirts over the past year have involved students making inappropriate comments and jokes to the more serious behaviours of touching and exposure.

Assistant director-general of Education Queensland Patrea Walton told ABC Radio the department is taking the matter seriously.

"It's certainly a very high rate and it is of concern," News.com.au quoted Walton as saying.

The children involved in the sexualised behaviour are typically in the lower grades of the school, with the last case recorded in October.

And although there have been no expulsions, Walton said Education Queensland has ramped up counselling and support at the school to deal with the issue.

"There is additional support, guidance counselling, additional teacher aide time for supervised and supported play, and additional protective behaviour programs," she said.

Walton said children were being sexualised at a young age through the media and it was presenting a challenge for schools and families.

"We're seeing this increased sexual stereotyping of children," she said.

"Songs that are on the radio now are much more explicit as well as what they're exposed to in various media outlets," she added. (ANI)