Keeping children safe starts with awareness, and one of the most important lessons a child can learn is the difference between safe touch and unsafe touch. This concept empowers children to trust their instincts, set boundaries, and speak out when something doesn’t feel right.
What is Safe Touch?
Safe touch helps children feel secure, cared for, and respected. It never feels threatening or confusing and always respects personal boundaries.
Safe Touch Includes:
- A touch that makes you feel safe, loved, and cared for.
- A touch that happens only with your permission.
- A touch that makes you feel comfortable and respected.
- A touch from someone who respects your comfort level and listens when you say “no”.
Safe touch could be a hug from a parent when you’re feeling down, a high-five from a teacher after a job well done, or holding hands while crossing the street. These touches are reassuring and help us feel connected and secure.
What is Unsafe Touch?
Unsafe touch is any kind of touch that feels wrong, confusing, or frightening. It disrespects your personal boundaries and can cause emotional or physical harm.
Unsafe Touch Includes:
- Any touch that feels unpleasant, such as gripping, pinching, or striking.
- A touch that happens even after you say “no”.
- A touch that causes you to feel uneasy, afraid, or confused, even if you can’t explain why.
- Touch from someone you know that still makes you feel uncomfortable. Familiarity doesn’t make it okay.
- When someone hurts your body or causes fear, even subtly.
Remember, your feelings are valid, and if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
Important Points to Always Remember
- Your body belongs to YOU. No one has the right to touch you without your permission.
- It is absolutely okay to say “NO” to any touch that makes you uncomfortable.
- If something feels off, inform a trusted adult like a parent, teacher, or school counsellor.
- If the first adult doesn’t take you seriously, keep telling others until someone listens and helps.
- Always keep the rule of “Stranger Danger” in mind, but remember, unsafe touch can also come from someone you know.
- It doesn’t matter who the person is. Speak out if you experience or witness unsafe touch.
Let’s Build a Safer World for Our Children!
Open conversations about safe and unsafe touch should start early and continue often. Creating an environment where children feel safe to speak up is the first step in protecting them from harm.
If you’re looking for customized child safety training, POCSO-related workshops, or legal advisory services, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at +919004521614 or [email protected].
Authored by Tara Chanda, Content Writer Intern