My Body Is My Body - Keeping Kids Safe

1. To teach children that their body is their own and no-one has the right to hurt them or touch their private parts. Be clear that the parts of their body covered by underwear are private. 2. You can explain to children that the only time parents may be touching their private parts is to bathe them (when they are young) or maybe to apply medicine if they are sick or sore. 3. A doctor may have to touch their private parts if they are sick (but Mommy or Daddy or someone from their family would always be there) 4. Grown Up's do not show love to children by touching their private parts 5. It is not a game when people try to touch your private parts. The most important thing is that it is ok to say NO when something or someone makes you feel uncomfortable or tries to hurt you. Notes for teachers or parents: Most sexual abuse occurs either within the extended family or by someone the child knows and trusts. It is very damaging to a child when this trust is broken. They need to know they have someone safe to go to for help and someone who will listen to them. Children need to know if abuse occurs that : a) They are not to blame b) That they should not feel guilty c) That the person that has abused them needs to get help for their problem so that they will stop hurting children - and that is why it is so important to tell ! Please remember that the perpetrator is usually someone that the child loves or trusts, so the subject needs to be discussed gently. You could explain that like a drug addict or an alcoholic, people that abuse children need help to get better so that they wont hurt children anymore. For more information www.mybodyismybody.com