Body boundaries and safe touch — Health, 4–6 years
Every person has a say about their own body. Children can name body parts, say stop and tell a trusted adult when a touch feels wrong or confusing.
Your body belongs to you
Your body belongs to you, and other people’s bodies belong to them. You may say “stop” or move away from a touch, even if you know the person. Private parts are the parts covered by underwear, and no one should ask to see or touch them except for care, with an adult’s help.
Why this keeps you safer
Children need help with washing, dressing or health care, but they should understand what is happening and who is helping. Knowing your boundary makes it easier to notice when something feels unsafe. Telling a trusted adult brings help; a child is never to blame for another person’s choice.
What to say
During a game, Ana does not want a tickle. First, she moves back and says, “Stop, I do not like that.” Next, she goes to a trusted adult and explains what happened. The adult listens, helps her feel safe and makes sure the game stops.
Being polite is not the rule
A child may stay quiet because an older person says, “Don’t be rude,” or because the touch is meant as a joke. That reaction is understandable: children are taught to be polite. But feeling safe matters more than pleasing someone, and a trusted adult should always hear about a worrying touch.
In everyday life
This helps when someone wants a hug, during changing clothes, at the doctor or while playing. A child can say yes, no or not now, and the answer may change. If one adult does not listen, tell another trusted adult until someone helps.
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