Most self-reported victims of child sexual abuse are harmed by peers or known older youth with the average age of first-time sexual perpetration being between 11 and 16 years. In this retrospective review of inquiries made to the WhatsOK helpline over an 18.5-month period, we examine the characteristics of contacts to a helpline for youth with questions about their sexual interests and behaviors. Data were collected from pre-set questions on age, primary reason for contact, timing of inquiry relative to other help-seeking, and timing relative to harm caused. Most inquiries came from youth aged 14 to 21 (57.7%) via email (54.4%). Over half (54.6%) had or were at risk to cause sexual harm. The second most common reason to contact (17.4%) was about general sexual health topics. The majority sought help prior to seeking out other external professional resources (54%). This study provides proof of concept that youth are willing to seek out help for their (and others’) sexual interests and behaviors, highlighting the critical need for prevention strategies targeting youth with potentially concerning sexual behaviors.

中文翻译：

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对青少年和对性想法、性行为和经历感到担忧的年轻人的求助热线查询的早期发现


大多数自我报告的儿童性虐待受害者受到同龄人或已知的年长青年的伤害，首次性犯罪的平均年龄在 11 至 16 岁之间。在这份回顾性回顾中，回顾了 18.5 个月期间对 WhatsOK 帮助热线的查询，我们研究了对青少年的性兴趣和行为有疑问的帮助热线的联系方式的特征。数据是从关于年龄、主要联系原因、相对于其他寻求帮助的询问时间以及与造成的伤害相关的时间的预设问题中收集的。大多数查询来自 14 至 21 岁的青少年 （57.7%） 通过电子邮件 （54.4%）。超过一半 （54.6%） 曾经或有造成性伤害的风险。第二大最常见的联系原因 （17.4%） 是关于一般的性健康话题。大多数人在寻求其他外部专业资源之前寻求帮助 （54%）。这项研究提供了概念证明，即青少年愿意为他们（和他人）的性兴趣和行为寻求帮助，突出了针对具有潜在令人担忧的性行为的青少年制定预防策略的迫切需求。