What is Body Safety Education?

Body Safety Education aims to empower children with skills and knowledge that empowers them with the knowhow of their body and reduces the likelihood of them becoming victims of childhood sexual abuse. It is the understanding of what makes their body and what safety means to it.

Here are the things every child should know about their body to ensure body safety -

1. A child should know the correct names for their body parts including their genitals.
2. A child should know ‘Private parts’ are those under their swimsuit. Also, interestingly, the mouth is also a private part.
3. A child should know about safe and unsafe touch.
4. A child should know that their body is their body and no-one has the right to touch it.
5. A child should know if someone does touch them inappropriately to yell ‘No!’ or ‘Stop!’
6. A child should know that if they are touched inappropriately (and/or asked to touch a person’s private parts) and/or shown inappropriate images to tell a trusted adult straight away.
7. A child should know that it is okay to say ‘No!’. They should be knowing about right or wrong. They should not hesitate to say no to anyone, even to an adult if they are being put to face something that makes then uncomfortable.
8. A child should know about their Early Warning Signs and how to act upon them.
9. A child should know if they are touched inappropriately or their Early Warning Signs kick in to keep on telling a trusted adult until they are believed.
10. A child should know that they must never keep secrets that make them feel bad or uncomfortable.
11. A child should know to develop a Safety Network of five trusted adults that they can tell anything to.
12. A child should know will learn to be loud and proud that they know their Body Safety rules.

These are the basic body safety rules that a child should be aware of. Knowing this increases their understanding of their body. Hence, this will improve their chances of acknowledging if anything wrong happens to them.

By: Ishika Aggarwal

Content: https://www.mother.ly/child/essential-body-safety-rules-all-kids-and-parents-should-know/8-empower-your-child-to-speak-up-if-something-feels-wrong