Teaching children about sexual abuse is crucial for their safety. Parents/Guardians can start by using age-appropriate language to explain what is appropriate and inappropriate touching, emphasizing that their bodies belong to them, and encouraging open communications. Role-playing scenarios can also help children understand what to do if they feel uncomfortable. It is important to stress that they won’t get in trouble for speaking up and to regularly check in with them about any concerns about boundaries and privacy. This helps empower them to recognize and respond to inappropriate behavior.

Breakdown by Age:

• Preschool (3-5 years old):
  -Keep it simple and use basic language
  -Teach them the names of their body parts, including private parts and explain that these parts are private
  -Explain that nobody should touch their private parts except to keep them clean or healthy, and even then it should be
  with their permission and in appropriate situations
  -Teach them about boundaries and that it is okay to say no if they feel uncomfortable

• Early Elementary (6-8 years old):

  -Continue reinforcing the concepts of private body parts and boundaries
  -Explain the difference between safe and unsafe touches and that they have the right to say no to any touch that makes
  them feel uncomfortable, even from someone they know
  -Teach them to identify trusted adults they can talk to if they have questions or if something does not feel right

• Late Elementary (9-11 years old):
  -Provide more detailed information about different types of abuse, including verbal, physical, and emotional abuse, in
  addition to sexual abuse
  -Discuss online safety and the importance of being cautions when interacting with strangers online
  -Teach them about consent and that it is not okay for anyone to pressure them into doing something they are not
  comfortable with

• Pre-Teens and Teens (12+ years old):
  -Continue discussing consent and healthy relationships, including the importance of mutual respect and communication
  -Talk about the concept of grooming and how perpetrators might try to manipulate or deceive them
  -Discuss the role of bystanders and the importance of speaking up if they witness inappropriate behavior, whether it is
  happening to them or someone else
  -Emphasize that they can always come to you or another trusted adult if they have questions or if something does not feel
  right