Unsafe touching refers to any physical contact that causes harm or discomfort to a child, either physically or emotionally. This includes but isn't limited to actions that hurt a child's body and feelings.
Understanding Unsafe Touches
Several sources define unsafe touching in similar ways, emphasizing the harm inflicted. Key characteristics include:
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Physical Harm: This encompasses actions like hitting, pushing, pinching, and kicking. These actions cause physical pain and injury. ( Reference: These are touches that hurt children's bodies or feelings (for example, hitting, pushing, pinching, kicking, or someone inappropriately touching their private body parts).)
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Emotional Distress: Even without physical injury, touches that make a child feel uncomfortable, scared, or violated are considered unsafe. This can include unwanted hugs or kisses from adults or peers. ( Reference: Unsafe Touch: These are touches that hurt you or make you feel bad and are never OK. Pushing, hitting, biting; Touching someone else's private parts, other…)
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Violation of Personal Boundaries: Touching a child's private body parts without a legitimate reason (like hygiene) is a serious form of unsafe touching. ( Reference: We have a family safety rule that it is never okay for a bigger person to touch your private body parts except to keep you clean and healthy.) Children should understand that they have the right to say "no" to any touch that makes them feel uncomfortable, regardless of who is initiating it. (Reference: Children also practice saying NO to a touch they don't want, whether it is safe or unsafe.)
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Secrecy: An unsafe touch is often accompanied by a request to keep it a secret. Children should be taught that they should never be asked to keep an unsafe touch a secret. (Reference: No one should ever ask you to keep an unsafe touch a secret. No one can ever touch…)
Examples of Unsafe Touching
- Hitting, slapping, or kicking.
- Pinching or biting.
- Unwanted hugs or kisses.
- Inappropriate touching of private body parts.
- Any touch that makes a child feel scared, uncomfortable, or violated.
It is crucial to teach children about both safe and unsafe touches to empower them to protect themselves. This education should be age-appropriate and focus on the child's feelings and rights.
