One changes a person’s life, whenever s/he is empowered by knowledge. And it is extremely crucial for toddlers to know about good touch, bad touch and the awareness surrounding it. This is part of holistic education and is indeed the need of the hour.
In a commendable initiative, Apeejay School, Charkhi Dadri, Haryana, recently conducted an insightful presentation on “Good Touch and Bad Touch” for its Kindergarten students. The session, facilitated by Ms. Pooja Sangwan, aimed to educate the youngest learners about personal safety, boundaries, and the importance of understanding how to recognise and respond to inappropriate behaviour.
Ms. Pooja began by establishing a warm and friendly atmosphere, ensuring the children felt safe and comfortable. She employed an age-appropriate video that depicted simple, relatable situations to help children distinguish between safe, comforting touches and those that may cause discomfort or distress. The video served as an effective introduction to a topic often considered delicate, making it easier for young minds to grasp.
To further engage the children, Ms. Pooja incorporated interactive storytelling, role-playing activities, and real-life examples to drive the message home. She emphasised, “There is a need for children to identify trusted adults, such as parents or teachers,” while empowering them to speak up if they ever felt uneasy. Simple, memorable rules were introduced, including saying “no,” moving away from uncomfortable situations, and immediately informing a trusted adult when in doubt.
The session’s interactive nature allowed children to participate actively by asking questions and sharing their thoughts. This open dialogue reinforced the understanding that their bodies are their own, and it is always okay to say “no” to any unwanted touch. Ms. Pooja’s gentle approach ensured that the children absorbed these vital lessons in a supportive environment.
The Principal, Dr. Vineet Vashishtha, commended Ms. Pooja’s efforts, acknowledging the critical role such initiatives play in fostering a safe and nurturing environment for young learners. This session was a significant step forward in ensuring that children are
well-informed, confident, and able to communicate about personal safety from an early age.