“Raising Awareness on Good Touch and Bad Touch – A Vital Lesson for Primary Children at TJIS”
Introduction
Good Touch&Bad Touch Program at TJIS
On the 5th of July, 2024, The Jain International School (TJIS) took a significant step in child safety by conducting an awareness program on ‘Good Touch and Bad Touch‘ for the primary children of classes 1 to 5. In a world where children are often vulnerable to various forms of harm, educating them early about boundaries, safety, and awareness is crucial. This blog delves into the program, its objectives, activities, and the vital lessons imparted to the young students.
The Importance of Teaching Children About Personal Safety
Good Touch&Bad Touch Program at TJIS. Children, especially in their formative years, are innocent and trusting by nature. Unfortunately, this innocence can sometimes expose them to situations where their personal safety is at risk. Teaching children about “good touch” and “bad touch” empowers them to identify situations that make them uncomfortable or unsafe and equips them with the confidence to react.
Understanding this need, TJIS organized this awareness session to build a safe and supportive environment for its students. The program was designed to foster open communication between children and their parents, helping young minds distinguish between good and bad touch.
Highlights of the Program
The awareness program began with a thoughtful and engaging skit performed by TJIS teachers Ms. Harshitha, Ms. Anasuya, and Ms. Srilatha. This skit, delivered in English, introduced children to the sensitive yet essential topic of personal safety. The teachers played key roles in simplifying complex concepts in a manner suitable for the age group, ensuring that the young learners remained engaged and understood the significance of the message. Good Touch&Bad Touch Program at TJIS.
The focus of the program was not just on warning children about inappropriate touch but also on educating them about how to handle such situations. Teachers carefully explained:
- The concept of personal boundaries
- Private parts of the body
- The difference between safe and unsafe situations
They addressed scenarios in which a touch may feel wrong or uncomfortable, and how such situations could even occur with someone they know. Through this, students were taught the fundamental idea that “No one is allowed to touch their private parts”, not even someone they are familiar with.
Key Lessons Taught During the Session
A set of Basic Rules was laid down for children to remember and follow to ensure their safety:
- Create a secret code with your parents: This empowers children to have a safe way of communicating with their parents in an uncomfortable or dangerous situation. The secret code could be a word, phrase, or gesture that signals the child needs help.
- Don’t allow anyone to touch your private parts: Children were educated on the concept of private body parts and the importance of protecting them. They learned that it’s not okay for anyone to touch these parts and that they have the right to say “No” and take action if they ever feel uncomfortable.
- Push, scream, and say “NO” loudly: In instances where a child feels threatened, they were taught how to react physically and verbally. Yelling “No!” loudly, pushing away, and seeking immediate help were highlighted as key reactions that can protect them.
- Share everything with your parents: Encouraging open communication, the program emphasized that children should feel comfortable sharing all their experiences, especially if something feels wrong. Parents are their safe haven, and sharing any incidents ensures that proper action can be taken promptly.
Breaking the Silence on Sensitive Issues
One of the greatest challenges in child safety education is the hesitation to discuss such sensitive issues. Children may often find it difficult to voice their concerns or may not even realize when something inappropriate has happened. By addressing these issues openly, TJIS created a safe space for children to ask questions, express concerns, and gain clarity on personal safety. Good Touch&Bad Touch Program at TJIS.
The program also tackled the important topic of safety from strangers as well as individuals they may know. It conveyed to students that inappropriate behavior can sometimes come from familiar faces, like relatives or family friends, emphasizing the need to stay vigilant at all times.
The Role of Parents in Child Safety
Good Touch&Bad Touch Program at TJIS. Parental involvement plays a critical role in safeguarding children. While schools provide structured guidance, it is essential that these lessons are reinforced at home. The program strongly advocated for parents to foster an environment of trust and openness with their children. Parents were encouraged to:
- Regularly discuss personal safety
- Ask their children if they feel safe at school, home, or in other environments
- Encourage their children to share any uncomfortable experiences
The secret code between parents and children is a powerful tool in this regard. It establishes a subtle yet effective line of communication in potentially harmful situations, allowing children to alert their parents without drawing attention.
Impact of the Program
TJIS’s initiative left a lasting impact on its students, making them more aware of their surroundings and the importance of personal safety. The students actively participated in the discussions and were engaged throughout the program, asking questions and sharing their thoughts. By focusing on awareness through engaging activities, the program ensured that the children not only understood the concepts but could also apply them if the need arose.
The teachers and staff at TJIS are committed to building a safe, nurturing environment for all students. Through programs like these, they aim to continue raising awareness and equipping students with knowledge that will keep them safe both inside and outside school premises.
Conclusion
The ‘Good Touch and Bad Touch’ Awareness Program held at TJIS on 5th July 2024, was a commendable effort in the school’s ongoing mission to ensure the safety and well-being of its students. With the right guidance, children can grow up feeling confident about their boundaries, their rights to personal safety, and the importance of communication with trusted adults.
As TJIS continues to provide such invaluable programs, it sets a strong example for other educational institutions to follow. Good Touch&Bad Touch Program at TJIS. By nurturing informed and empowered children, TJIS is contributing to a future where children grow up safe, aware, and confident.