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First, review the case study about Taylor and Alex below. You may find it helpful to refer to the suggested answers for the Explore activity in Lesson One. Then answer the questions in the Sexual Behavior Reflection Tool.

Taylor and Alex are two 16-year-old students at your school. They have been dating for several months and appear to be happy together, frequently seen smiling and laughing together on campus. One day as you’re walking to supervise students at lunch, you see them making out in the hallway.

While this is a normative sexual behavior for students at this developmental stage, this behavior is inappropriate for school. You approach them and remind them of the expectations while on school grounds and suggest they show each other affection in other ways during school. They apologize and head off to their lunch period. Later in the day while in conversation with Alex, you learn more about Alex’s family views on dating. Alex explains that her parents feel she is too young to date or have a relationship. Alex shares that since they are unable to spend time together off campus, they try to find time to be together while on campus. You thank Alex for being open and sharing this information with you, however, you speak with Alex about the code of conduct while on campus.

 

Sexual Behavior Reflection Tool

Team Responses

 

Is the behavior random or infrequent?

The public displays of affection happens frequently.

 

 

Is the behavior typical for the child’s age and developmental ability?

Yes, it is typical for adolescents this age to engage in romantic relationships and explore sexually.

 

 

Is the behavior driven by curiosity, exploration, and playfulness?

Yes, Taylor and Alex are exploring changing emotions and relationships that are typical for their age.

 

 

If other children are involved, is it mutual and good-humored?

The relationship appears to be mutual.

 

 

If other children are involved, do they know each other well and are they of a similar age and development (<2 years)?

Taylor and Alex are very close and spend a lot of time together.

 

 

Is the behavior easily redirected?

Yes, Taylor and Alex apologized for their behavior.

 

 

Normative Sexual Behavior?

While Taylor and Alex are engaging in normative sexual behaviors, think about the conflicting message Alex receives at home.