This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Intervention). The objectives are as follows:

The aim of this systematic review will be to determine if school based education programmes are effective in increasing children and adolescents' knowledge about sexual abuse and self protective behaviours. Specifically:

1. To determine if school based programmes are effective in improving the knowledge of school aged children about sexual abuse and self‐protective behaviours;
2. To determine if learned knowledge of sexual abuse and protective behaviours is retained over time;
3. To determine if participating in a school based programme about sexual abuse produces any harm;
4. To determine if there is an increase in disclosure of sexual abuse in school aged children following participation in a school based programmes;
5. To determine if programme type (active or passive involvement of the child) or setting (primary or secondary school) affects the child or adolescent's ability to gain knowledge and protective behaviours about sexual abuse.