Nowadays, we hear a lot of news about child abuse from newspapers and media. Every day when you go through the newspaper or social media, you can definitely see news about a child being sexually abused by a youngster or old, strangers, or even the person they trusted. The saddest part is that that children don’t even know that they are sexually abused. In India, something like this will create a huge problem for the child and their family when it spreads.
Child safety is paramount. A study says, Before 18 years, there is one in 53 boys, and one in nine girls are sexually abused. In this, 90% are abused by the persons they know, and only 10% are abused by strangers. So it is necessary to teach a child about good and bad touch, and it is the responsibility of the parents, teachers, and media.
What is a good touch and bad touch?:
A touch that made a child feel secure, happy, and cared for is good. For example - a mother hugging or kissing a child or a doctor examining the child.
A touch that makes a child feel uncomfortable, afraid, and nervous is bad. For example - if a stranger or known person touches a child and asks them not to tell anyone.
How parents teach children about right and wrong?:
As a parent, it is your responsibility to teach your child about good and bad touches. I know that this a subject that discomfort to teach. But for the safety of children, you need to come out of this zone, educate your child, and make them feel safe. I have given some suggestions to teach your child about this:
- Children must know that no one is allowed to touch their private parts. Only mom and dad can touch them while cleaning. Teach them the private parts of the body with a proper name. E.g., Parts that are covered by a swimming suit. No one is allowed to touch them. If it happens, ask them to report it to you.
- Teach them to say “NO” - Tell your child that they have a right to say no if they feel uncomfortable. Don’t allow someone to touch them if they are afraid.
- Teach them about good and bad touch - Tell them to leave the place if they feel uncomfortable or insecure.
- This topic is serious, so you need a proper conversation. Make a child feel comfortable. Explain it using the incidents that happen in your surroundings. Make it safe and sound.
- Teach children about privacy and body space.
- If your children are asking a question, answer them appropriately based on their age and maturity.
- First of all, listen to them patiently. Even if the question is silly, don’t laugh or giggle. Don’t react with anger or embarrassment. Never make your child feel ashamed of his question. If you react, they will not ask a question or tell you about the incidents around them.
- Be brief - based on child age and maturity, explain it in simple terms.
- Don’t force your child to gain attention in public. Please don’t ask them to give a goodbye kiss or hug when they don’t wish to do so if you force them; then children will be confused about how to react.
- Teach them it is not okay if anyone looks or touches private parts. Ask them to leave that place and inform you. Make sure that you are there to listen to them and take action.
- Control the media exposure. Parents should not allow their children to view the wrong website. Ask them to report you if anyone shows them an abnormal website.
- Teach them stories and cartoons which make them understand easily.
- Monitor your child is spending more time with strangers or anyone getting closer to your kid. Check your child feeling uncomfortable near someone. Ask your child to leave that environment.
- Teach them never to be afraid to say don’t touch me and shout.
As a parent, our priority is child safety and well being all the time. Always ask your kid how the day went and what they did today. Assure them you are listening and responding. Nobody can confirm that your child is always surrounded by good people. Since its parents' responsibility is to teach them and face them with this kind of situation, make sure your child trusts you and shares everything with you. “ I teach. Touch the future ”.
You must be logged in to post a comment.