Children have rights like all other adults. One of these is the right to privacy. In the article mentioned in the declaration of the World Association for Sexual Health, it is stated that every individual has the right to privacy regarding their sexuality, sexual behavior and sexual identity. This includes our children, of course. Parents are responsible for preparing their children for the outside world and supporting them. While doing this, they should provide them with scientific sexuality education and privacy awareness appropriate to their age. It is important for children to know their changing bodies as they grow and to be prepared for possible changes. It is equally important that they learn about this subject from reliable and scientific sources. Children need to be made aware of the risks of abuse they may encounter at all ages, and it is a critical point that they become capable of protecting and defending themselves. Parents have an important responsibility here.
Privacy education can be given to children starting from the age of 3-4. One of the most important points to pay attention to when giving education is not to scare the child. While giving information about privacy and teaching how to protect oneself, it should be explained without causing anxiety and stress. At the same time, it should not be forgotten that parents are important role models for the child, and what is taught should be implemented. In order for children to understand the concept of 'private' and protect themselves, they must first know the parts of their bodies that are private to them. Private parts can be taught to the child from the age of 2. Children should be made aware that their bodies belong only to them, and it should be clearly stated that no one has rights over their bodies. Asking parents' permission when kissing or touching their child helps develop body image in the child (can be applied from the age of 4).
Children's acquisition of skills such as self-care and dressing and undressing at an early age contributes to their awareness of privacy. Children should not be walked around naked both inside the house and outdoors, and care should be taken not to be in front of other people when changing clothes. In this regard, it is also important to note that everyone's room in the house is private and that they cannot be used without permission. The child should be told that it should not be entered. This rule should apply not only to the child but also to the parents, and parents should not enter the child's room without permission. It should not be forgotten that they are the primary and most important role models for children.
Another important issue is that the child should be alone in areas such as bathrooms and toilets. Children should know that they should be alone and no one should watch them while going to the toilet. Likewise, they should be alone when taking a shower in the bathroom. If the child needs help, the helping parent must cover the child's private areas. Another point is; When communicating with children, making jokes about their private parts should be avoided. Encouraging them to expose should be avoided.
So, does privacy training end after doing these? There is another subject that should definitely be taught to children: teaching them to defend and protect themselves. In case of any abuse, children must be told what they can/should do. Most fundamentally, parents should teach children from an early age not to go anywhere with people they know or do not know without their permission. They are told that they must react to a power shown to them against their will. It should be noted that it is important to run away, react by shouting or asking for help when necessary. Numbers that can be reached in case of emergency should be taught, these may be parents' mobile phone numbers, police, gendarmerie. Teaching your child about various privacy violations that he/she may encounter may help to take precautions in advance.
Most importantly, you need to tell your children and make them feel that you will always be there for them and support them. No matter what, you should tell him that he can tell you his experiences, concerns, and thoughts without hesitation. It should be accepted that your children can always share their privacy with their parents or a trusted adult when they feel in danger or uncomfortable.
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