In commemoration of the International Day of the Boy Child, it’s vital to take a shot at teaching these treasures how to take care of themselves against sexual molesters.

Most parents often teach their children all sorts of ways to keep themselves safe- ranging from telling them not take what does not belong to them, to look both ways before crossing the road etc. but never about the child’s body safety. 

Teachings on this, always come much later when they are older which, sometimes, comes too late. 

According to research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), it is estimated that approximately 1 in 6 boys and 1 in 4 girls are sexually abused before the age of 18, and almost all of them knew their perpetrators.

No one particular race, culture, religion or socioeconomic group is spared when it has to do with child sexual abuse.

It’s very glaring these days that sexual molesters are everywhere, they can strike at any time, and they come in different shapes/sizes/friendly/unfriendly. 

Some parents often say, it cannot happen to their children as they will always keep their children close by and never expose them to strangers.

Start that conversation about body parts early, name body parts as it’s never too soon to talk about them while they still very young. Always use the right names for the different body parts, sweet coated names are not allowed. 

Feeling comfortable using the proper names and knowing what they mean, can give them the ability to come to you when something is wrong/help them talk clearly if something inappropriate has happened.

Teach your child body boundaries- That under no circumstance should no one touch them, their private parts, and also, no one should ask them to touch somebody else’s private parts. This second part is very vital that their body is their own especially, as sexual abuse often begins with the molester asking the child to touch them or someone else.

Be sure to tell your ward that body secrets are not okay-  Considering the fact that predators will tell the child to keep the abuse a secret. They do this in a friendly way, such as, “I love playing with you, but if you tell anyone else what we played, they won’t let me come over again.” It can be a threat: “This is our secret. If you tell anyone, I will tell them it was your idea and you will get into big trouble.” Let your child know that they can’t be bullied; no matter what anyone says, they should always tell daddy and mummy if any one tries to make them keep a body secret.

Arm your child with knowledge on how to get out of uncomfortable situations as they don’t feel comfortable enough telling people “NO,” most especially older peers or adults. 

Get them to understand that it’s okay to tell an adult ‘no’ and that they can leave, if something that feels wrong is happening.

 Help give them words to get out of such uncomfortable situations by, telling your child that, if someone wants to see or touch private parts, they can give the excuse of using the toilet to take their leave. 

In conclusion, be available, set time aside to spend with your children where they can have your undivided attention, and let they know that, they can ask you any question.

 Please when these children come to you, follow through on the promise, make time to talk and avoid punishing them when they speak up.