Young adolescents' involvement in sexual activity with younger children should be viewed from the perspective of adolescent sexual and personality development so as to facilitate responsive strategies that will foster better sexual adjustment and minimize the likelihood of recidivism. These at-risk adolescents generally have little knowledge about their sexual urges, and they have received minimal constructive guidance in controlling their sexual urges so as to avoid harmful consequences. Consequently, they are ill-prepared for self-control when in the presence of younger children. The reaction of the victim's parents and criminal processing should make it clear to the adolescent sexual offender that his behavior is legally and morally abhorrent. It is important, however, that the offender receives the help required for proper sexual adjustment. This involves counseling that will help him work through the trauma of the offense, establish a positive self-image, and receive a realistic perspective on sexuality. The major preventive effort is sexual education in the public schools and the home, with attention given to frank discussions of appropriate and inappropriate sexual behavior and the consequences that can follow from the sexual exploitation of others, particularly young children.