“Empowering Young Minds: Good Touch and Bad Touch Workshop at TJIS”
Introduction
TJIS Hosts Personal Safety Workshop for Students
At Jain International School (TJIS), the safety and well-being of students is always a top priority. With a commitment to creating a nurturing environment, the school recently hosted a transformative workshop on personal safety, titled “Good Touch and Bad Touch”, for students from Class 6 to 12. This essential workshop, organized by Dr. Mallick from the Department of English, was led by two distinguished professionals, Dr. Chaitanya and Dr. Jnani from Samprada Hospital, Medchal.
TJIS Hosts Personal Safety Workshop for Students. The presence of the school’s Director, Mr. Dhakshina Murthy, and Principal, S. Sumam Nair, underscored the significance of the event, demonstrating TJIS’s dedication to fostering a culture of safety and open communication within its community. This blog will explore the key aspects of the workshop, its impact on students, and the crucial message it conveyed about personal safety.
Understanding the Importance of Personal Safety Education
In today’s world, ensuring the safety of children and young adults goes beyond providing a secure physical environment; it also involves educating them about personal boundaries, understanding their rights, and giving them the tools to protect themselves from inappropriate behavior. The “Good Touch and Bad Touch” workshop at TJIS aimed to empower students with this knowledge, equipping them to navigate situations that might make them uncomfortable or unsafe.
The workshop addressed a topic that is often difficult to discuss, but incredibly important for the overall well-being of young people. By creating an open and respectful space for conversation, the event allowed students to gain valuable insights into identifying, responding to, and seeking help in cases of inappropriate behavior. TJIS Hosts Personal Safety Workshop for Students.
Expert Guidance from Samprada Hospital
The event was led by Dr. Chaitanya and Dr. Jnani, both experienced professionals from Samprada Hospital, Medchal. Their expertise in child psychology and personal safety provided a solid foundation for the workshop’s content. TJIS Hosts Personal Safety Workshop for Students. Through their engaging presentations, the doctors emphasized the difference between “good touch” and “bad touch,” helping students to understand boundaries in a clear and age-appropriate manner.
Their discussion went beyond the mere physical aspects of touch, diving into the emotional and psychological effects of inappropriate behavior. This holistic approach helped students grasp not only the concept of personal safety but also the importance of mental well-being when dealing with uncomfortable situations.
Key Messages of the Workshop
The core objective of the workshop was to educate students on how to recognize and react to inappropriate touch. Some of the key messages delivered by the experts included:
- Understanding Good and Bad Touch: The workshop began with an explanation of what constitutes good touch and bad touch. The doctors emphasized that while good touch, such as a pat on the back or a hug from a trusted individual, fosters positive emotions, bad touch leaves one feeling uncomfortable, uneasy, or afraid. TJIS Hosts Personal Safety Workshop for Students.
- Recognizing Red Flags: The students were taught to recognize behaviors that serve as red flags for inappropriate actions, whether from strangers or familiar individuals. They were encouraged to listen to their gut feelings—if something feels wrong, it usually is.
- Voicing Discomfort: One of the most empowering aspects of the workshop was the focus on giving students the confidence to speak up. The experts explained that it is always okay to say “No” if they are uncomfortable, regardless of who the person is. By voicing their discomfort, they can take the first step toward protecting themselves.
- Seeking Help: Students were reminded that they are not alone. If they ever experience or witness inappropriate behavior, they should reach out to trusted adults, such as parents, teachers, or counselors, for help and support.
Engaging Discussions and Interactive Sessions
One of the highlights of the workshop was its interactive format. Instead of merely lecturing the students, the doctors engaged them in open discussions, allowing the students to ask questions and express their concerns. This open dialogue helped dispel misconceptions and encouraged students to share their thoughts in a safe and supportive environment.
TJIS Hosts Personal Safety Workshop for Students. The workshop also included role-playing activities, where students were guided through hypothetical situations and asked how they would respond. These practical exercises gave students a clearer understanding of how to apply the knowledge they gained in real-life situations.
Leadership and Support from TJIS Administration
The workshop was made all the more significant by the active involvement of the TJIS leadership. The school’s Director, Mr. Dhakshina Murthy, and Principal, Ms. S. Sumam Nair, were present throughout the event, reinforcing the importance of the message being conveyed. Their presence served as a reminder that the school’s administration is deeply committed to the safety and well-being of its students.
In his remarks, Mr. Murthy emphasized the school’s ongoing mission to provide not just academic excellence but also a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for students. Principal Nair echoed this sentiment, expressing her pride in the school’s initiatives to equip students with the knowledge and confidence to protect themselves.
A Broader Impact on the TJIS Community
The Good Touch and Bad Touch workshop was not only an eye-opener for students but also an important initiative for the entire TJIS community. Parents were encouraged to continue the conversation at home, fostering an environment where children feel comfortable discussing their concerns and experiences.
TJIS Hosts Personal Safety Workshop for Students. For teachers and staff, the workshop was a reminder of the school’s responsibility to create and maintain an environment of trust, where students feel safe and supported. The workshop also served as a call to action for the wider community to be vigilant and proactive when it comes to protecting children from harm.
The Role of Dr. Mallick in Organizing the Event
This important event was brought to fruition through the efforts of Dr. Mallick from the Department of English, who played a key role in organizing the workshop. His dedication to creating meaningful learning opportunities for students extended beyond academics, as he recognized the vital importance of personal safety education.
Dr. Mallick’s commitment to the students’ well-being is evident in his thoughtful approach to bringing in external experts and facilitating open dialogue within the school community. His role in organizing the event highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary efforts in ensuring students’ safety and holistic development.
Conclusion: A Safer, More Informed Student Body
The Good Touch and Bad Touch workshop at TJIS was an empowering experience for students, giving them the tools and knowledge to protect themselves from inappropriate behavior. The guidance provided by Dr. Chaitanya and Dr. Jnani equipped the students with a strong understanding of personal boundaries, while the interactive sessions helped them build confidence in responding to uncomfortable situations. TJIS Hosts Personal Safety Workshop for Students.
With the support of the school administration, teachers, and parents, TJIS remains dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing environment where students can thrive. This workshop is just one of many initiatives that TJIS is undertaking to ensure the overall well-being and safety of its students.