Laws that prevent harassment of children
Many parents believe that their child is not a potential victim, but statistics show that 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 13 boys experience sexual abuse. If you don’t educate your child adequately and don’t pay attention, your child could also become a victim.
In this section of Family PlusSelMagzWe have provided guidelines and care practices to prevent abuse against children, hoping for a day when none of our children are victims of sexual abuse.
Don’t scare children about adults
Why do you think abusers succeed in abusing children? One reason is that they scare the child, telling them that if they share this secret, they will be harmed. As a result, the abused and frightened child remains silent.
Dear parents, never scare your child about adults, uncles, or aunts. Don’t threaten them with stories about what could happen, as this teaches children to submit.
Do not allow your child to stay at the homes of untrustworthy relatives
Unfortunately, most abuse cases occur by trusted individuals. Therefore, it’s best not to trust and not allow your child to be alone with untrustworthy relatives.
Experts sometimes recommend not leaving your child alone with trusted individuals like uncles or aunts. It’s best if you and your spouse stay nearby. Never let your child stay alone at a relative’s home.
Don’t send them to bathe with anyone
Never send your child to the bath with someone else or their friends, as curiosity may arise, leading to inappropriate behaviors related to each other’s bodies.
Teach your child about boundaries
Dear parents, if you don’t want your child to be abused, take sexual education seriously. Make sure they know who is allowed to touch them and which types of touches are not permitted by anyone.
Always ask for permission before hugging or kissing your child so they learn that no one is allowed to touch them without consent.
Teach them about private parts
Your child must understand that their body belongs to them and that no one has the right to touch their private parts. From a young age, your child should be able to name their body parts and understand that they need to report any issues.
Explain that parents and children have no secrets
Abusers often tell children that it’s a secret, and for various reasons, many kids keep those secrets. Sometimes kids want to have secrets, especially if the abuser convinces them they are a friend or suggests they will marry them later.
Having a secret might feel good, leading the child to refrain from discussing it. Inform your child that there are no secrets regarding their body and they should share everything with you without fear of being scolded.
Teach your child to defend themselves
Teach your child to say no and remind them that it’s okay to say they don’t want to be hugged by anyone. Advise them to firmly state refusal if someone attempts to touch their body, especially their private parts.
Show your child how to escape or yell for help when someone tries to harm them, or inform an adult. Teach them not to fear threats and to yell, as their screams can scare off a predator better than any weapon.
Don’t change your child’s clothes in front of others
Your child should realize that no one should see their private parts, so don’t change their clothes in front of others, even in front of aunts or other relatives. Teach them modesty and propriety, ensuring they do not walk around naked after a bath or using the toilet.
Talk to them more
Engaging in more conversations with your child can help them feel comfortable sharing their daily experiences and anything that happens to them. Ask them about their day-to-day activities and who they were with.
What games did they play at school? What did they do after school? When you establish a habit of discussing daily life, your child will trust you more.
How can we prevent child abuse?
- Try to maintain a good relationship with your child, avoid physical punishment, and allow them to express themselves.
- Know who your child spends time with throughout the day and who interacts with them at school, and inquire about their feelings toward these people.
- Familiarize yourself with caregivers such as teachers, babysitters, drivers, and anyone else responsible for your child’s care.
- Monitor the babysitter using a hidden camera.
- If your child rides with a school driver, arrange it so that your child is not the first or last to get in and out of the vehicle.
- Take any changes in your child’s behavior seriously and investigate the reasons behind them.
- Allocate dedicated time during the day just for your child, so they can come to you with any problems or questions.
- Remind your child that they will always have your support if they face issues and come to you.
- Teach your child that no one has the right to take photos or videos of their body.
- Establish a code with your child to signal dissatisfaction or a desire for you to be nearby.
- Do not send your child out alone on the streets or alleys.
- Do not leave them alone in a room with children of the same or older age.
- Avoid making sexual jokes with them or touching their private parts as a joke.
