Bodily exploration and genital stimulation are part of normal child development. It is common for children under 24 months of age to explore and fondle their genitals, and for children from 3-5 years to engage in masturbation for pleasure and even to experience orgasm. Indeed, there remains no evidence to support the centuries of proclamations that self-stimulation is harmful. However, compulsive masturbation refers to self-stimulation of the genitals that is excessive (compared to same-age peers) and interferes with other age-appropriate activities or causes impairment in functioning or physical harm.