Teach children body safety early

Use age-appropriate language and repeat these lessons regularly:

• Their body belongs to them.
• No one should touch private parts except for health, hygiene, or caregiving reasons.
• “Private parts” are the areas covered by a swimsuit.
• They can say “no” to unwanted touch, even from adults or relatives.
• Safe adults never ask children to keep secrets about touching or photos.
• If something feels wrong, they should tell a trusted adult immediately.

Build open communication

• Talk calmly and without shame about bodies and boundaries.
• Ask open-ended questions about their day and relationships.
• Avoid punishing them for telling uncomfortable truths.
• Reassure them they will not get in trouble for reporting unsafe behavior.

Supervise online activity

• Know which apps, games, and social platforms children use.
• Keep devices in shared spaces for younger children.
• Teach children never to share private photos or personal information.
• Explain grooming tactics:

1. excessive compliments
2. gifts or rewards
3. requests for secrecy
4. attempts to isolate the child

• Use parental controls where appropriate.

Useful resources:

• National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC)
• UNICEF parenting resources

Watch for warning signs

• Possible indicators of abuse or harassment can include:

1. sudden fear of certain people or places
2. sleep problems or nightmares
3. sexual knowledge beyond age level
4. withdrawal, anxiety, or aggression
5. unexplained injuries
6. avoiding school or activities
7. sudden secrecy online

One sign alone does not prove abuse, but patterns deserve attention.

Create safer environments

For schools, sports, tuition centers, religious groups, and childcare:

• Prefer organizations with background checks and child-protection policies.
• Avoid situations where adults are repeatedly alone with children behind closed doors.
• Encourage “two-adult” rules during activities or transport.
• Teach children which adults are trusted helpers.

If a child reports harassment

Do:

• stay calm
• listen carefully
• believe the child
• thank them for telling you
• ensure immediate safety
• contact appropriate authorities or child protection services

Do not:

• blame the child
• pressure them for details
• confront the suspected person in front of the child

India-specific help

• In India, child sexual abuse is covered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act).
• Childline 1098 india— 24/7 child emergency support
• National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)

“Operation Chinnari Thalli” – Andhra Pradesh Police

• school awareness programs
• “Good Touch / Bad Touch” education
• monitoring repeat offenders
• faster POCSO investigations