This is basically a summary of whatever we spoke about throughout this month, on the topic of early sex education, body safety/ privacy, safe touch, etc. Creating such a Safe Touch Plan is essential for all families with children. This will help to ensure that children understand personal boundaries, recognize appropriate/ inappropriate touch, and feel empowered to communicate openly about their experiences – good or bad. This proactive approach is meant to foster a secure environment where children can thrive. So, let’s get to it without much ado.

1. Educate About Body Autonomy and Anatomy

• Teach Anatomical Terms: Use correct names for all body parts, including private areas, to promote comfort in discussing about their bodies and to aid clear communication if issues arise.
• Explain Body Ownership: Emphasize that their body belongs to them. Also stress that they have the right to decide who touches them and how.
• Read ‘My Safe Body Bubble‘ together to explain these ideas easily to your kids ages 4 to 9 years. You may also watch it as a video story on YouTube.

2. Define Safe and Unsafe Touches

• Safe Touches: Touches that make a child feel cared for and important. This could include touches such as hugs from parents, pats on the back, or holding hands.
• Unsafe Touches: Touches that hurt their bodies or feelings, like hitting, pushing, or inappropriate contact with private parts.
• Unwanted Touches: Touches that might be safe but are unwelcome at the moment, even from familiar people. Further, teach children that it’s okay to say “no” to any touch they’re uncomfortable with.

3. Establish Clear Family Boundaries

• Set Privacy Rules: Implement rules about privacy, such as knocking before entering rooms and respecting personal space.
• Model Respect: Demonstrate respectful behavior by asking for permission before physical contact and honoring your child’s response.

4. Develop a Communication Strategy for Body Safety

• Open Dialogue: Encourage regular conversations about their day, feelings, and any concerns whatsoever.
• Safe Words: Create a family “safe word” that children can use to indicate that they feel uncomfortable or need immediate help. They can also use this to check authenticity of people who might pose as delegated by parents to pick them up or tend to them.

5. Identify Trusted Adults to Approach

• Trusted Circle: Help your child identify adults they can trust, such as family members, teachers, or family friends, and encourage them to approach these individuals if they feel unsafe.

6. Role-Play Scenarios for Body Safety

• Practice Responses: Engage in role-playing exercises to help children practice saying “no” firmly and also to seek help in various situations.

7. Discuss the Concept of Secrets

• Good vs. Bad Secrets: Explain that some secrets, like surprise parties, are okay, but secrets that make them feel bad or involve inappropriate touch are not and should be shared with a trusted adult.

8. Monitor Digital Interactions for Body Safety

• Online Safety: Teach children about the importance of not sharing personal information online and to inform a trusted adult if they encounter inappropriate content or communications.

9. Reinforce the Body Safety Plan Regularly

• Ongoing Conversations: Regularly revisit the Safe Touch Plan, especially as your child grows and encounters new situations.
• Adapt as Needed: Be open to adjusting the plan based on your child’s experiences and developmental stage.

10. Seek Professional Guidance if Necessary

• Consult Professionals: If you have concerns or need additional resources, don’t hesitate to reach out to child psychologists or local child protection organizations for support.

By implementing a Safe Touch Plan, families create a foundation of trust and education that empowers children to protect themselves and communicate openly about their well-being. Also have a look at some of the myths related to early sex education to ensure that you have them cleared too.

Happy parenting!