Child Sexual Abuse(CSA) has unfortunately become very common and can cause a short-term or long-term effect on an individual. In this 19.7% cases have been related to females and 7.9% for males.
Although children are most vulnerable to CSA between the ages of 7 to 13, there are perpetrators who target victims as early as infancy. Because of this, the best time to talk to a child about the good and bad touch is as soon as they are capable of understanding our words.
Child sex abuse is a reality and we need to equip our children with some basic safety rules for their protection.
Here are some basic teaching techniques for preparing our kids and preventing any bad instance from happening to them:-
- Give them ownership of their bodies
We as parents should not force our kids into any physical contact when they are not comfortable with it. Their body belongs to them and they have the right to make a decision about it.
- Be your kid’s best friend
Spend quality time with them and ask them to share their activities they did the whole day. Make them comfortable to talk about anything with you.
- Use the swimsuit rule to explain the touch
The swimsuit rule helps the parents to explain about private parts to their kids – what is covered while wearing a swimsuit is not to be touched by anyone. This helps the kids to understand and parents to explain the touch and sensitive body parts.
- Empower them to say NO
Kids should always be empowered to say NO if they do not like something. This would help them in avoiding any bad touch as a NO would scare any predator who tries to violate their personal space.
- Don’t force affection
Forcing affection on our kids may confuse them between good and bad touch. Let them make the choice and it will empower them to recognize when they’re comfortable and uncomfortable with physical affection.
We all want our children to be safe and secure and want to give them the best. Our children come in contact with many people every day and there are good and bad people around them.
It is our responsibility as parents to sensitize them and prepare them to handle any odd situation coming their way!