children and young people who have displayed harmful sexual behaviour 545. The following principles are based on effective safeguarding practice and should help shape any decisions regarding safeguarding and supporting the alleged perpetrator(s): • The school or college will have a difficult balancing act to consider. On one hand, they need to safeguard the victim (and the wider pupil/student body) and on the other hand provide the alleged perpetrator(s) with an education, safeguarding support as appropriate and implement any disciplinary sanctions. Taking disciplinary action and still providing appropriate support are not mutually exclusive actions. They can, and should, occur at the same time if necessary. • Consider the age and the developmental stage of the alleged perpetrator(s), the nature of the allegations and frequency of allegations. Any child will likely experience stress as a result of being the subject of allegations and/or negative reactions by their peers to the allegations against them. • Consider the proportionality of the response. Support (and sanctions) should be considered on a case-by-case basis. The alleged perpetrator(s) may potentially have unmet needs (in some cases these may be considerable) as well as potentially posing a risk of harm to other children. HSB in young children may be (and often is147) a symptom of either their own abuse or exposure to abusive 146 Maintained schools, academies and pupil referral units should follow the statutory guidance here. Independent schools and colleges should consider excluding as per their own policies. 147 Hackett et al 2013 study of children and young people with harmful sexual behaviour suggests that two- thirds had experienced some kind of abuse or trauma. 140 practices and or materials. More informa