Honesty Works Publications

Talking to Kids about

Body Safety

A Guide for Parents

Ages 0-3:

1. Use Proper Names for Body Parts: Teach your child the correct names for all body parts, including private parts. This helps them communicate clearly and accurately.

2. Establish Boundaries: Explain that certain parts of their body are private and that no one should touch them without permission.

3. Model Consent: Show respect for your child’s personal space by asking for permission before touching them, even for routine activities like diaper changes.

4. Simple Safety Rules: Teach simple safety rules, such as "No one should touch your private parts unless it's to keep you clean and healthy."

Ages 3-6:

1. Reinforce Body Autonomy: Empower your child to say "no" if they feel uncomfortable. Reinforce that their body belongs to them.

2. Use Storytelling: Utilize age-appropriate books and stories to explain body safety concepts in a way that is easy for them to understand.

3. Practice Scenarios: Role-play different situations where they might need to assert their boundaries, such as during playdates.

4. Identify Trusted Adults: Help your child identify trusted adults they can go to if they feel unsafe or need help.

Ages 6-9:

1. Expand on Privacy: Discuss the importance of privacy and why certain body parts are private. Explain the difference between good touch and bad touch.

2. Internet Safety: Introduce basic online safety rules, such as not sharing personal information or pictures with strangers.

3. Open Communication: Encourage your child to talk to you about anything that makes them feel uncomfortable or scared

4. Empowerment: Teach your child that it’s okay to be assertive and to trust their instincts. Remind them that they have the right to say "no."

Ages 10-12:

1. Detailed Discussions: Have more detailed conversations about consent and respect. Explain that no one has the right to touch them without their consent.

2. Digital Boundaries: Discuss the importance of setting boundaries online and the risks of sharing personal information or images.

3. Recognize Grooming: Educate your child about the tactics predators might use to gain their trust and how to recognize them.

4. Encourage Questions: Create a safe environment for your child to ask questions and express concerns about body safety and peer interactions.

Ages 13-18:

1. Respect and Consent: Reinforce the importance of mutual respect and consent in all relationships. Discuss the concept of enthusiastic consent.

2. Healthy Relationships: Talk about what constitutes a healthy relationship and the warning signs of abusive behavior.

3. Advanced Digital Safety: Educate teens on the importance of privacy settings, protecting personal information, and the consequences of sharing explicit content.

4. Support Systems: Encourage your teenager to build a support system of trusted friends and adults they can turn to if they feel unsafe or need advice.

Recommended Books:

• "It's Not the Stork!" by Robie H. Harris

• "Growing Up Great for Girls" by Scott Todnem

• "Growing Up Great for Boys" by Scott Todnem

• "It's Perfectly Normal" by Robie H. Harris

• "The Bare Naked Book" by Kathy Stinson

• "I Said No!" by Kimberly King and Zack King

• "Consent Ninja" by Dr. Jayneen Sanders

These books provide valuable resources to help guide your conversations about body safety at each developmental stage. Remember, open and honest communication is key to empowering your children to protect themselves and seek help when needed.