Child Body Safety Awareness

NOTE: Please remember that during some medical visits, a doctor or health care provider may need to examine your child's genital areas for wellness or concern. A child should never be forced to undergo an examination of their private parts, even in a medical setting. Work collaboratively with your child and the medical provider to ensure they understand the exam and feel comfortable about being examined.

**************************************************************************************

This section offers parents guidance on next steps after reading the book with your child or after discussing it with your independent reader.

* Please also see the FAQ page for additional information.

1. Have a follow-up conversation with your child. Reinforce the message that their body belongs to them! This is an essential aspect of body safety tips to remind them when they find themselves in new situations and environments, such as sleepovers, play dates, or summer camp. Reading "The Doctor Says: Let's Talk About Body Safety" can help them remember the crucial body safety skills they learned from the book.

2. Stress the TEACH BACK:

a. The parts under your swimsuit are private and no one should look there, touch them, or make you do anything with your mouth.

b. Say STOP, "DON'T DO THAT," or "NO" if anyone tries. Alternatively, say you have to leave, and then leave the situation.

c. It's critical that they inform a trusted adult immediately. Help your child identify safe grown-ups, such as their teacher, a relative, or a family friend. If the grown-up does not believe them, they should tell another safe grown-up. Even if threatened, they must communicate with an adult right away! Reassure them that they will not get in trouble for discussing something that happened to them.

3. Teach your child the proper names for their private parts, like vagina and penis. If this feels uncomfortable, many families use "private parts." Avoid vague or misleading names like cookie, flower, or hot dog.

4. Children should be informed that they should not be made to touch anyone's parts under their swimsuit—this includes other children and grown-ups. Activities that make them feel unsafe or uncomfortable should be reported to a trusted adult.

5. The book states, "no one should make me do anything with my mouth." This can refer to inappropriate sexual contact involving the child's mouth—like oral-oral, oral-anal, or oral-genital contact without touching the parts under their swimsuit. Children should understand that this is not acceptable.

6. Body autonomy is crucial! Children must recognize that their bodies belong to them, meaning no one can touch them without their permission. Establishing boundaries is vital so that they know they should be asked before any physical contact, like a hug. They should not feel obligated to kiss, hug, or sit on anyone's lap, even relatives.

7. No one should ever take pictures or videos of their bodies. This can often be a precursor to grooming before any actual sexual contact occurs. Children must comprehend that this behavior is inappropriate.

8. There should not be any secrets, but surprises are okay! If they wish to surprise you for your birthday, that differs from secrets or special games unknown to others. A child must understand the importance of telling a trusted adult about any secrets.

9. Keep the lines of communication open! Studies show that consistent, honest discussions between children and parents lead to children feeling comfortable sharing their feelings and discussing various topics. Continue to engage in conversations about body safety and other important safety topics! Ask about their day and encourage them to express themselves instead of just firing off questions. Listening and showing that you care fosters trust between you and your child.

10. If your child mentions possible child sexual abuse, please take it seriously! Children often disclose incidents once they learn about or are reminded of body safety rules. 

a. Avoid judging them or expressing anger that they could perceive as directed at them. Stay calm. It's essential to reassure them that what happened is not their fault, as they might feel shame or guilt.

b. Ensure they know that you believe them, love them, and will protect them!

c. If immediate safety concerns arise, call 911 right away. Ensure your child is safe and follow up with your child's doctor or health care provider as soon as possible.

Prevention is key! Learn to prevent, recognize, and respond to situations involving child body autonomy and preventing child abuse!