In today’s dangerously murky conditions where violence is the order of the day, the importance of teaching children about boundaries and consent cannot be overstated. The concept of ‘good touch’ and ‘bad touch’ should be a foundational part of education, empowering children to protect themselves and report instances of inappropriate behaviour. As incidents of child abuse continue to surface across the globe, it is crucial that we equip kids with the knowledge to differentiate between touches that are caring and safe, and those that are harmful and inappropriate.
The concept of good touch versus bad touch is simple but essential. A good touch makes a child feel safe, happy, or cared for, such as a hug from a parent or a pat on the back from a teacher. A bad touch, on the other hand, makes a child feel uncomfortable, scared, or confused—such as inappropriate physical contact from an adult or peer. Teaching children to recognize these differences gives them the ability to articulate discomfort and alert trusted adults when something feels wrong.
Experts agree that this education should begin early—around the age of five—when children are naturally inquisitive about their bodies and interactions with others. At this stage, they can grasp basic concepts of body autonomy, personal space, and the right to say “no” to unwanted touches.
Unfortunately, many Indian schools do not prioritize this form of education. There is often a significant gap in the curriculum, stemming from cultural taboos around discussing topics related to the body and sexuality. Some schools avoid these conversations altogether, either out of discomfort or fear of backlash from parents who feel that such topics are inappropriate for young children. This hesitancy is compounded by a lack of adequate training for teachers, leaving them unsure of how to approach such sensitive discussions in an age-appropriate and culturally sensitive manner.
As a result, Indian teachers often find themselves ill-equipped to guide students through these essential conversations, which can perpetuate ignorance and leave children vulnerable. Bridging this gap requires both structural changes in the education system and practical tools for teachers. Here are a few handy tips for teachers on how to discuss the concept of good touch and bad touch with their students.
Build an Environment of Trust
Before diving into the topic, ensure that students feel safe and trust you. Start by fostering a classroom environment where students are comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or repercussions. Incorporate regular discussions on general well-being and emotions to normalise these conversations.
Use Age-Appropriate Language
While talking about good touch, bad touch, tailor your language and explanations according to the age group of the students. Younger children require simpler, more concrete explanations, while older students can handle more abstract concepts. For young children, use terms like “safe touch” and “unsafe touch” to simplify the concept.
Use Storytelling and Visual Aids
Utilise stories, cartoons, or role-playing exercises to illustrate scenarios involving good touch and bad touch. Visual aids help children understand complex ideas more clearly and retain information longer. Choose culturally relevant stories that resonate with the students’ experiences and backgrounds.
Clarify Boundaries
Explain the concept of personal boundaries, emphasising that everyone has the right to their own space and body. Help students understand that they can say ‘no’ to any touch that makes them uncomfortable, regardless of who is involved. Use circle diagrams to visually represent personal boundaries and the concept of consent.
Empower Students to Speak Up
Encourage students to voice their concerns if they experience or witness any form of inappropriate touch. Reinforce the idea that it’s okay to speak up, and they should always tell a trusted adult if they feel unsafe. Introduce a ‘safe person’ list where students can identify adults they trust both at school and at home.
Address Cultural Sensitivities
Be mindful of cultural norms and values that may affect students’ understanding of good and bad touch. Approach the topic with sensitivity, respecting the diverse backgrounds of your students while ensuring they receive the necessary education. Hold pre-sessions with parents to explain the importance of this education, seeking their support and involvement.
Incorporate Repetition and Reinforcement
Regularly revisit the topic to reinforce learning. Consistent reminders help students internalise the concepts and apply them in real-life situations. Integrate short reminders or discussions into weekly classroom activities to keep the topic top of mind.
Create a Safe Reporting Mechanism
Ensure that students know the steps to take if they encounter inappropriate touch, including who to approach and how to report it. Make the reporting process straightforward and confidential. Establish a “confidential concern box” in the classroom where students can anonymously report their worries.
Collaborate with Experts
Involve your school counsellor or child safety experts in these sessions. These professionals can provide specialised knowledge and handle sensitive questions or concerns that may arise during discussions. You can also organise workshops or seminars in schools on this topic which can be led by experts to complement classroom lessons.
Engage Parents and Guardians
Collaborate with parents to ensure that the lessons taught at school are reinforced at home. Share resources and tips with parents so they can continue the conversation about good touch and bad touch in a supportive and informed manner. Send home informational pamphlets or hold parent-teacher meetings focused on child safety and personal boundaries.
