Which term refers to individuals who have a sexual preference for children?

The term that specifically refers to individuals who have a sexual preference for children is "Pedophile." This term is used in clinical, legal, and social contexts to identify an adult who is sexually attracted to prepubescent children. Pedophilia is categorized as a type of paraphilia, which is a psychological condition that involves intense sexual urges toward atypical subjects.

"Preferential Child Molester" describes a specific type of offender who not only has a sexual interest in children but also actively seeks to engage in sexual acts with them. This distinction is important in understanding the broader context of sexual offenses against children, but it is not as widely recognized as the term "pedophile."

Understanding these terms is critical in the context of school resource officers and other professionals working with children, as it helps them identify and respond appropriately to signs of abuse or predatory behavior.