In children; What is privacy education, how is it given, at what age should privacy education be started etc. With these questions, gaps and concerns may occur in the minds of many caregivers. Let's try to find the answers together.
When we look at privacy literally, the private space appears as a secret space that others should not hear or learn. Teaching children about their secret and private areas begins with the behavior of their caregivers. The steps of this education, which we think should start from birth; It ranges from paying attention during diaper changes to being able to meet their needs autonomously when they learn toilet training. In our society, under the umbrella of "love", it is not appropriate and correct to hit children's buttocks and allow them to be hit, kiss and kiss on the lips, and see them inappropriately in bathroom/toilet areas. First of all;
- The trust relationship established with the child is the basis of everything. As everything exists with its opposite, privacy education has become even more important as abuse cases have been heard so much in recent days. It is based on a relationship of trust that children go to an adult and open up and talk about the incident, despite the possibility of experiencing abuse. For this reason, we should look at how close, love and trust the relationship we establish with children includes.
- The child's decisions and wishes should be respected. If he said no, it's no! However, acting as if this is not respected as persistent social characteristics harms the child's self-esteem and makes it vulnerable to abuse.
- Verbal and non-verbal expressions of the child should be taken into account. Children may not be able to express everything verbally like us adults. This is also related to their cognitive development. Body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, and sometimes a shrug can convey yes-no answers to us. Please let's hear them.
- Children should be trained to meet their own physical needs (eating, washing, toilet training, etc.) at an early age. It should not be dependent on the parent or anyone else so that it becomes less vulnerable to potential abuse. The more support we offer, the less skills you will develop. they can. This makes them easy to use at school, course, etc. and the child may not be able to protect himself.
- Permission to kiss or hug should be obtained, physical contact should not be made if the child does not want it. Private areas should not be touched while loving
How do we give the child privacy education verbally? First of all, the child should be introduced to the organs in his body using visuals appropriate for his age and development. It should be noted that the bodies of men and women are different. Then, it should be explained that there are some special areas in the body and these areas should be expressed with their real names. In practice, it should be supported to show the child's private parts, to get support from his/her own kind parent, to be taught through underwear if possible, and to verbally express their names.
It should be emphasized that private areas are private and no one can see these areas. In addition, it should be explained that the child cannot look at or touch the private parts of others.
It should be stated who can see the private parts and in what situations: Changing diapers, washing and drying the baby, taking care of a sick child, treating a child.
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