BODY SAFETY
WHAT IS BODY SAFETY?
Body safety refers to the awareness and understanding of personal boundaries, consent, and the difference between safe and unsafe touch. It empowers children to recognize and communicate about their bodies, assert their rights, and seek help when they feel unsafe.
BODY SAFETY EDUCATION EMPOWERS CHILDREN TO SPEAK UP!
Body safety education prevents abuse, fosters healthy relationships, and promotes overall well-being. Teaching children how to recognize and protect their personal space and boundaries helps them understand that they have the right to say no to unwanted touch and to make decisions about their bodies.
Children who understand body safety are better equipped to protect themselves and to communicate openly about negative experiences with trusted adults. This knowledge can lead to a safer and more supportive environment for kids as they grow.
Body safety education may include:
Understanding body autonomy—the right to control personal space and touch—and recognizing the difference between safe and unsafe touch.
Establishing and respecting personal boundaries
Understanding consent in all interactions
Identifying warning signs of unsafe behaviors
Staying safe online
Body safety education promotes self-confidence, resilience, and the ability to advocate for oneself. It empowers children to protect and respect their own bodies and personal boundaries.
“Body safety empowers children to understand their own boundaries, recognize inappropriate behavior, and confidently seek help if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe.”
HOW TO TALK TO KIDS ABOUT BODY SAFETY:
TIPS FOR BODY SAFETY TOPICS:
Use Proper Names for Body Parts: Teach children the correct names for body parts, including private parts, so they feel comfortable discussing their bodies and can communicate clearly if needed.
Explain Safe vs. Unsafe Touch: Talk about safe touches (like high-fives or hugs from trusted family members) versus unsafe touches that make them feel uncomfortable, emphasizing that they have the right to say "no" to any touch they don’t like.
Teach Personal Boundaries: Help kids understand they can set boundaries with their bodies. Encourage them to assert their boundaries by practicing saying "no" to unwanted touch.
Introduce the Concept of Consent: Explain that people need permission before touching or interacting with their bodies and that they also need to ask others for permission in the same way.
Identify Trusted Adults: Help them identify trusted adults (e.g., parents, teachers, family friends) whom they can talk to if they feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Reinforce that it’s okay to keep telling adults until they feel safe.
Discuss Private and Public Behaviors: Explain which behaviors are private and should be done in private spaces, like using the bathroom or changing clothes, to reinforce privacy awareness.
Role-Play Scenarios: Use simple role-playing to practice responses to uncomfortable situations so they feel confident saying "no" and asking for help when needed.
Reinforce Digital Safety: As kids engage online, discuss online body safety, emphasizing privacy, avoiding sharing personal details, and recognizing inappropriate messages.
