Touching Safety

Most families have rules to keep their children safe from dangers which exist in the environment.  Children are taught very early not to play with electrical outlets or touch a hot stove. The method most parents use to teach these lessons is explanation with lots of repetition.  This is the way young children learn. 

 A classic example is learning to cross the street.  Think about how many times you've stood at the curb with your youngster and practiced looking both ways.  Perhaps you've taught them this rhyme to help them remember:  "Look left, look right, no cars in sight".  A parent typically begins this  process as soon as the child is walking.  

 Our approach to teaching a child about safe and unsafe touches is based on the same concept.  You must begin early and continue teaching, reinforcing and practicing touching safety as your child grows. 

Children need to know:

• No one is allowed to touch their private body parts
• Private body parts are the parts covered by a bathing suit
• Not all unsafe touches feel "bad" and not all safe touches feel "good" (Learn More)
• Secrets about touching are NEVER OK! (Learn More)
• If ANYONE, even someone they know touches them in a weird or different way,  they should tell a grown-up right away.  A child may describe a sexually abusive touch as strange, funny, weird or different. 

When teaching touching safety encourage your child to ask questions.  Allow him or her to express feelings and fears.  Be open and responsive.  Reassure the child that touching safety rules are for protection.  When adding touching safety to your family rules, teach this phrase to help your child remember:              

               Say "NO!" - Get Away - Tell Someone Today!