How Parents Can Teach Body Safety To Their Children

Repetition is Key

It's important to repeat safety talks with children. Repetition is key for learning. Just like reminding children to look both ways before crossing the street, revisiting safety talks can help reinforce good safety habits.

It is never too early to begin teaching body safety to your child. Parents are responsible for using age-appropriate language and concepts to make the topic understandable for their children. Over the years, sex education in the public school system has had an increasingly overt sexual agenda that is extremely harmful to a child and exposes them to material beyond their level of development. When the sex ed content is too mature, it can desensitize or even normalize sexual abuse.

Parents cannot abdicate their responsibility to teach their vulnerable and curious children about their bodies. The key is to create an open, supportive, and non-judgmental environment where children feel safe discussing their bodies and setting firm boundaries. 

Use Correct Terminology

Teach your child the correct names for body parts. This helps create an open and honest communication channel when something feels uncomfortable. Teaching your child the names of their body parts will help them remove the shame or stigma about that part. 

Establish Boundaries

Teach your child about personal boundaries and the concept of consent. Let them know it's okay to say "no" if someone makes them uncomfortable, even if it's an adult. Reassure your children early and often that there are no secrets between adults and children. Carefully choosing caregivers is essential, but parents must establish what is “okay” and “not okay” for a caregiver to do in their absence. 

Encourage Open Communication

Create a safe environment where the child feels comfortable discussing their feelings and experiences. Let them know they can come to you with any questions or concerns without fear of punishment. Familiarize yourself with people in your child's life and be available and willing to listen. Be open to new topics they may bring up and continue to show interest in a child's day-to-day life. Reassure them that they will not get in trouble for speaking up.

Teach the Difference Between "Safe" and "Unsafe" Touches

Explain the difference between safe and unsafe touches. Emphasize that certain areas of their body are private, and no one should touch them there without a valid reason (for example, a medical check-up with a parent present). An “unsafe” touch is one they don't like, hurts them, or makes them feel uncomfortable, confused, or scared, mainly if it involves their private parts. 

Reinforce Empowerment

Help children understand that they have the right to protect their bodies. Reinforce that their feelings and instincts are valid and that they should trust themselves. Teach your child it is okay to speak up and that you will believe them when they do. Never force your child to show affection to anyone they don’t feel comfortable with, even family members. Your child can show affection and respect without physical closeness, like giving high-fives or even a simple smile. They need to feel that they are in control of their own body.

Teach Online Safety

As children grow older, educating them about online safety is essential. Discuss the potential risks of sharing personal information online and the importance of seeking help if they encounter anything inappropriate. Having firm boundaries on what your child watches on TV or online will also help to avoid exposure to adult content. Parental controls like the Covenant Eyes filter can block inappropriate content.

Find Age-Appropriate Resources

Parents can create an environment in their homes where sexual topics can be discussed. There is not one singular conversation that will ensure their safety. They must regularly revisit the subject as the child grows, adapting the conversation to their age and level of understanding. Trees of Hope offers resources for parents to help teach their child body safety. Check out the resource store for more information on teaching sexual abuse prevention and body safety for all ages, from infants to teens. The “Facts of Life” series provides age-appropriate sex education resources for parents. 

Trees of Hope also offers an online prevention workshop for parents, caregivers, teachers, or anyone seeking to learn about sexual abuse prevention and how to safeguard their loved ones better. The cost of the workshop is $25, which includes a physical copy of the Rise Magazine sent to online workshop registrants.

Find out more about Trees of Hope’s Prevention Education programs for parents.