Body Safety for Kids

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Use Proper Vocabulary Teach children the proper vocabulary for different private parts. This way, a child will be able to communicate clearly if someone touches them inappropriately.

This also helps to normalize the topic of sex, and builds trust between parent and child so that they may be more comfortable disclosing if they have experienced abuse.

Teach Bodily Autonomy Make sure your child knows that they have complete control over their own body and who touches it. Don't force them to give people hugs or kisses (even family members!) if they don't want to.

This helps to ingrain the idea of consent early, and teaches children to take ownership of their own bodies.

Discourage Secrets Open communication is crucial for ensuring that your child feels safe disclosing if they've experienced abuse or if someone is making them uncomfortable.

Discourage the keeping of secrets and make sure your child knows to disclose if someone has asked them to keep a secret.

Identify Trusted Adults Establish with your child at least 3 trusted adults who they can go to if someone has touched them inappropriately or made them feel unsafe.

It's sometimes a good idea for at least one of these three people to not be a family member

Go Over "Safe" vs. "Unsafe" Areas Talk about what areas of the body are "safe" (holding hands, for example) and "unsafe" (bathing suit areas).

This introduces body safety with age-appropriate wording.