Five Body Safety Rules Every Child Needs to Know

As parents and caregivers, one of our most important responsibilities is to protect our children and set boundaries when it comes to their bodies. Body safety education is crucial for preventing abuse and empowering children to recognize and speak up about uncomfortable situations.

Here are five essential body safety rules every child should know, along with practical ways to teach them.

1. My Body Is My Body, and It Belongs to Me!

Children need to understand that they have ownership over their own bodies. They have the right to say “no” to unwanted touches, even from adults or family members.

How to Teach This:

• Encourage your child to listen to their instincts when it comes to physical touch.
• Teach them alternative ways to greet people, like high-fives or fist bumps, if they don’t feel comfortable with hugs or kisses.
• Model consent by asking for permission before tickling or hugging them.
• Reinforce that they are the boss of their own body and that no one has the right to touch them in a way that makes them uncomfortable.

2. I Have a Safety Network

A Safety Network is a group of five trusted adults a child can turn to when they feel scared, unsafe, or unsure. These should be people who will listen and believe them without question.

How to Teach This:

• Help your child identify five trusted adults (e.g., a parent, teacher, grandparent, family friend, or coach) and have them memorize their names.
• Role-play different scenarios where they might need to talk to someone in their Safety Network.
• Make sure they know that if one person doesn’t listen or help, they should keep telling someone else until they get the support they need.

3. Early Warning Signs

Our bodies often signal when something isn’t right. Children need to recognize their Early Warning Signs, such as:

• Sweaty palms
• Fast heartbeat
• Feeling sick to their stomach
• Shaking or trembling
• Feeling scared, frozen, or unsafe

How to Teach This:

• Talk to your child about how their body reacts when they feel nervous, scared, or uncomfortable.
• Encourage them to trust their feelings and take action when their body is giving them warning signs.
• Teach them that whenever they experience these feelings, they should tell someone in their Safety Network immediately.

4. Private Parts Are Private

Children need to understand that their private parts are only for them and that no one should touch them, ask them to touch someone else’s, or show them pictures of private parts.

How to Teach This:

• Use correct anatomical terms (penis, vagina, vulva, testicles, breasts) when talking about body parts. This removes shame and confusion.
• Explain that private parts are covered by underwear or a swimsuit and that no one should ask to see, touch, or take pictures of them.
• Make sure your child knows that if something happens that feels wrong, it’s never their fault and they should tell someone they trust.

5. No Secrets

Children should never be asked to keep secrets. A happy surprise (like a birthday gift or party) has an ending qhen it will be told, but unsafe secrets (like someone asking them to keep something from their parents) are not okay.

How to Teach This:

• Reinforce that no adult should ever ask them to keep a secret, especially about their body.
• Encourage them to tell a trusted adult if someone makes them feel uncomfortable.
• Explain the difference between a surprise (which is meant to be told later) and a secret (which is meant to be kept forever—these are never safe!).

Body safety rules are essential in helping children build confidence, set boundaries, and protect themselves from harm. Regularly discussing these rules in a calm and age-appropriate way will help your child feel empowered and safe. Remember, these conversations should not be one-time discussions but ongoing dialogues throughout childhood.

By teaching children these five essential body safety rules, we are giving them the tools to recognize unsafe situations, trust their instincts, and speak up when needed. Let’s work together to create a world where all children feel safe, heard, and respected.

Click here for my list of resources for teaching body safety!

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