Kids touch themselves in public for various reasons, including natural exploration, comfort, or dealing with overwhelming feelings.
Here's a breakdown of possible explanations:
- Natural Exploration: Because children may not yet fully understand the social implications, they might not perceive self-touch as a "private" activity. They repeat the behavior even in public if they find it pleasurable or interesting.
- Comfort and Coping: According to research, children sometimes touch themselves for comfort when they're anxious or stressed, or to release energy when they're overstimulated (06-Nov-2018). This can be a way of self-soothing in overwhelming situations.
In summary, self-touch in public can stem from a child's lack of awareness of social norms or as a way to manage emotions and sensory overload.
