Children are taught all sorts of ways to keep themselves safe from anything that will harm them. For example, they are taught by their parents, guardians and teachers to watch anything hot or sharp, to cross properly by looking left and right, to always greet those older and be respectful, the list goes on. In all these teachings body safety is not taught, until they are older, in most cases it becomes too late as the child has already experienced abuse.
Research has shown that approximately 1 in 6 boys and 1 in 4 girls are sexually abused before the age of 18. It is imperative to note that, persons who abuse these children are not strangers; are their uncles, cousins, fathers, drivers, teachers and neighbour etc…
Most parents say they did not believe or think their children could be victims of abuse since they never leave their children with strangers. Also, that they always keep their children within their eyesight. Parents should avoid assuming and engage more in educating their children about their body. Parents are aware that, children go on play activities, they go to daycare or pre-school, their parent’s friends or family stay over in their house, and they play at the neighbour’s house, hence, the need for parents not to be over confident that their children cannot be abused. The fact is, one cannot fully prevent the risk of a child being sexually abused, and with the right body safety education it can be reduced.
Lots of children have been sexually abused on play dates, sleepovers, in the classroom, on the playground, in the school bus, in their playroom and out in their backyard. This abuse done by their mates, relatives, teachers, drivers or neighbours. Most of these children come from good and decent homes, but the problem is that their parents assume they should know or if any issue of sexual harassment comes up, they will tell them. It is important to know that a 3 years old child or 5 years who have not finished learning or knowing all about his or her school works will not be able to know what sex is let alone now if it is an abuse, this can change if the child is taught every step of the child’s growth process. That is why you hear of cases of a child been abused from age 3 to 6, from 6 to 9, this is because they now see it as a norm not as an abuse or something bad, because of the lack of body education.
Below are 6 things ways you can prevent your child from being abused by Pedophile:
- Schools should include body safety education during assembly Hours:
The school plays a pivotal role in educating children on body safety. Telling the children during assembly hours that their body is private and should not be seen, touched or played with by any one. The need for children to open up to their parents immediately they experience discomfort or abuse cannot be over emphasised. This education should start from when a child starts talking.
- Body parts should be thought early.
The earlier you talk about body secrets and the different body parts the better for your child. For every child age, parents have unique words to describe private parts that the kid understands. Use the words appropriately and educate your children from the day they start talking.
- Inform your children they are safe if they tell you a body secret.
Children who have been sexually abused kept their abuse secrete for a long while for fear that they will get in trouble. This fear is instilled in them by their perpetrators. It is advisable you tell your child when they tell you anything about body secrets they will NOT get in trouble and nothing will happen to them.
- Educate your child about body boundaries.
Research has shown that Sexual abuse in most cases begins with the perpetrator asking the child to touch them. Constantly tell your child not to touch any one private part and also not to allow any one touch theirs. Anyone from their classmates, relatives, family and friends and parents’ employees should not touch their private parts.
- Constantly inform your child that it is wrong to keep body secrets.
Most Pedophile tells the child to keep the abuse secret. Pedophile tell them in a friendly manner and also in a threat manner. Friendly manner for example; “I like playing with you and you are my friend, but if you tell anyone else what we played they will stop us from being friends and I will not be able to play with you’’ example of a threat: “Do not tell anyone if you do you, I will kill you. The need to constantly inform and educate your children that no matter what anyone tells them, body secrets are wrong and they should always tell you if someone tries to make them keep a body secret.
- Help your child overcome uncomfortable situations.
Most of the situations can be scary or uncomfortable. It is important you teach your kids how to overcome these situations. Kids naturally get scared of their teachers and people that are older than them and the ability to say ‘NO’ can be minimal as a result of this fear. Build their confidence level by telling them it is okay to leave, if they feel uncomfortable and they should speak up.
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By Sandra Odige
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