Prevent Sexual Harassment, Parents Need to Teach Children to Take Care of Their Bodies from an Early Age

Illustration of prevention of sexual violence against children. (Shutterstock)

JAKARTA - Cases of sexual abuse of children are still a serious problem that requires joint attention, especially from the family as the closest environment of the child.

Prevention efforts are considered necessary from an early age through proper education so that children are able to recognize body boundaries and protect themselves from various forms of sexual violence.

Psychologists emphasize the importance of educating children to protect themselves from sexual harassment and violence. This education can be done simply and adapted to the age of the child.

According to psychologist Devi Yanti, M. Psi., Psychologist, parents can insert sex education through playing activities or interactive activities that are done with children at home.

"Interactive games or activities at home are intended so that (education) does not become rigid. Therefore, parents can use the approach of playing," said the clinical psychologist at the Aceh Mental Hospital, as quoted by ANTARA.

The treasurer of the Indonesian Psychology Association (HIMPSI) Aceh Region, for example, said parents can invite children to play simple games such as "Touch Traffic Lights" to teach how to protect the body.

In the game, green is used as a symbol of safe touch, while red marks a touch that should not be done or should be avoided.

In addition, parents can also use dolls or images of the human body to introduce body parts that are personal and should not be touched by others.

Devi explained that simple role-playing can also be done to train children to dare to say no to strangers or when someone violates their body boundaries. Children also need to be taught to ask for help and report to trusted adults if they feel uncomfortable or harassed.

According to him, reading children's story books that raise the theme of maintaining the body can also be an effective means of education.

"This approach makes children learn without fear and easier to understand," said Devi.

He added that education not only needs to be understood by parents, but also by other older family members such as grandparents so that they have the same understanding in educating children.

"The point is, proper age-appropriate sex education actually strengthens moral values, self-respect, and prevents children from becoming victims," he said.