Discussing body safety with children and making them aware of the gravity of the topic can be pretty challenging. Parents and caregivers have to follow a specific methodology to make children understand and abide by rules for their safety. Read on for an overview of the issue.
Teaching them proper names
It’s the responsibility of both parents and caregivers to start teaching the children about body safety from a very early age. The first step to body safety skills involves making them aware of the proper names of the private parts, just like every other part of their body.It also involves teaching them ways to communicate if someone touches their private parts indecently or inappropriately. Children should be encouraged to freely discuss their bodies with their parents, and it’s also important to let them know about privacy. Parents can talk with their children about private parts in the bathroom, during a shower, or during toilet training.
Using correct terminology supports a child’s understanding of their own body and reinforces the message that every part of the body has a name and purpose. Avoiding nicknames helps reduce confusion and enables children to communicate clearly if something concerning happens. It also supports conversations with educators and healthcare professionals, who will use correct anatomical terms.
These conversations can be introduced naturally in daily routines, such as during bath time or when changing clothes, and should always be calm, respectful, and age-appropriate. Keeping the tone open and approachable ensures children feel comfortable asking questions and sharing concerns.
Teaching them to differentiate between safe and inappropriate touches
When children get to the age of 2.5 to 3, it’s important to teach them the difference between safe and unsafe touches. While safe touches include genuine touches of affection, inappropriate touches include hitting, pushing, kicking, and touching their private parts. Caregivers must make children understand the difference between the two. For example, when the children are playing, and they engage in hitting or pushing, explain to them it is unsafe and so should be avoided.
You can also explain that some touches may feel confusing or uncomfortable. Help children understand that if a touch makes them feel uneasy, even if it is not obviously harmful, it is always okay to talk to a trusted adult. Reinforce that their feelings are valid and that they have a right to protect their own body.
Books and story-based tools designed for young children can also be used to explain body boundaries. These can help provide structure and language for conversations, especially when the topic may feel difficult to approach.
Encourage Clear Expression
Encourage children to express clearly if someone is touching them inappropriately.
- Teach them to say ‘NO’ when someone touches them inappropriately and loudly.
- Run away from the person
- Talk about the incident to parents or safe adults.
It is important to practise these steps through role-play in a safe and supportive environment. Practising helps children feel prepared and confident in what to do if they ever feel unsafe.
Remind them often that they can come to you or another safe adult with anything that is bothering them, even if they feel unsure or scared. Keeping the lines of communication open and judgement-free is key to building trust.
Preparing for Later Stages
Besides, as and when the children are about to reach puberty, they should be taught about sex education and the hormonal and physical changes their bodies gradually undergo. Sex education is not just confined to a particular topic but it has a much broader spectrum. Thus, as the children grow, sex education should also expand and cover newer topics. It is also about teaching them how to use that education for their safety.
As children grow older, body safety education should evolve to reflect their changing understanding and experiences. Discussions can include topics such as respectful relationships, consent, online safety, and emotional boundaries. These topics empower children to navigate complex social environments with confidence and awareness.
By creating a safe, honest, and ongoing dialogue around body safety, parents and caregivers can help children build lifelong skills that protect their wellbeing and foster resilience.