Which term describes a person who has a sexual preference for children, accompanied by arousing fantasies?

The term that accurately describes a person who has a sexual preference for children, accompanied by arousing fantasies, is "pedophile." This term specifically refers to individuals whose primary or exclusive sexual attraction is towards prepubescent children, typically those under the age of 13. It's crucial to understand that pedophilia entails a psychological condition characterized by these attractions and fantasies.

In contrast, "sexual offender" is a broader term that encompasses individuals who commit various sexual crimes, which may include offenses against children, but does not specifically denote a preference or attraction to children itself. "Child molester" refers specifically to someone who has acted on their unwanted sexual impulses towards a child, implying that they have engaged in illegal sexual conduct. "Child abuser" is an even wider term that can include emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, therefore not necessarily indicating the sexual attraction or preference aspect that defines pedophilia.

Understanding these distinctions is vital for those in law enforcement and child protection fields, including School Resource Officers, as it informs their approach to investigations and interactions with affected individuals.