Table 1 Concrete examples of the categorizing of sexual behaviours in the Brook version of the TLT for each age group by traffic light code
| Â | Green behaviours | Amber behaviours | Red behaviours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Â | They reflect safe and healthy sexual development. They provide an opportunity to positively reinforce appropriate behaviour and provide further information and support | They have the potential to be outside of safe and healthy development. They signal the need to take notice and gather information to consider action | They are outside of safe and healthy behaviour. Red behaviours indicate a need for immediate intervention or action, though it is important to consider actions carefully |
Age 0–5 | Holding or playing with own genitals; attempting to touch or curiosity about other children’s genitals; enjoying nakedness | Pulling other children’s pants down/skirts up against their will; preoccupation with adult sexual behaviour | Persistently touching the genitals of other children; simulation of sexual activity in play; forcing other children to engage in sexual play |
Age 5–9 | Curiosity about sex and relationships; sense of privacy about bodies; curiosity about differences between boys and girls | Questions about sexual behaviour which persist or are repeated frequently despite answers having been given; engaging in mutual masturbation | Simulation of oral or penetrative sex; frequent masturbation in front of others; sexual behaviour engaging significantly younger or less-able children |
Age 9–13 | Solitary masturbation; need for privacy; consensual kissing, hugging, holding hands with peers | Viewing pornographic material; worrying about being pregnant or having STIs; giving out contact details online | Sexual activity e.g., oral sex or intercourse; evidence of pregnancy; sexually explicitly talk with younger children |
Age 13–17 | Use of internet/e-media to chat on-line; having sexual or non-sexual relationships; interest in erotica/pornography | Concern about body image; taking or sending naked or sexually provocative images of self or others | Attempting/forcing others to expose genitals; non-consensual sexual activity; receipt of gift or money in exchange for goods |