Brit Kids Face Sexual Assault by Classmates

A recent investigation has revealed that Brit kids , even those who are four years of age face sexual assault by classmates.

According to the investigation, thousands of kids have been victims and perpetrators of sexual misconduct ranging from name-calling, inappropriate touching to serious sexual attacks.

The study is part of BBC One's Panorama, which explores the sexualisation of childhood and how gang culture, music, the Internet and TV are affecting how young people view the world.

Groping and the use of sexually abusive nicknames have become almost part of daily life for some pupils, according to the programme.

In most cases, offenders are not expelled.

Official figures has revealed that 3,500 students were excluded for sexual misconduct in 2007 - equating to 19 exclusions per school day - including 260 cases in primary schools. Sexual misconduct can cover anything from sexually explicit graffiti to rape.

The Department for Children, Schools and Families does not routinely publish a breakdown of reasons for permanent exclusions but the number kicked out of school for sexual offences is small.

"We are receiving more calls about this on our helpline," the Telegraph quoted Michele Elliott, the director of anti-bullying charity Kidscape, as saying.

"It is alarming that children as young as 10 and 11 feel that they can dominate and bully others by the use of inappropriate sexual touching. In some bullying gangs it is used as an initiation.