As parents or trusted adult, it is important to teach your child the following:

NO FORCED AFFECTION

• Your child has the right to refuse an unwanted or uncomfortable touch. Never force a child to hug, sit on a lap or give affection.

“NO”!

• Your child has the right to tell anyone “NO”!

SECRETS

• Secrets can be harmful and if anyone asks them to keep a secret, they should tell you.

PRIVATE PARTS

• NO ONE should touch your child’s private parts. Their private parts are the parts of their body covered by underwear (pant and vest). This includes EVERYONE; even parents, family members, older friends, cousins and nannies (try to demonstrate touching boundaries yourself).

REAL NAMES

• Use the real names for different parts of the body (e.g. leg, eyes, penis, vagina).

TRUSTED ADULTS

• It is OK for named trusted adults to touch at particular times, e.g. giving births or the doctor