In many Indian families, topics of sex, private parts and sexual abuse are considered taboo. Parents might not have received proper
education or information about body safety themselves. This lack of understanding can lead to misconceptions or uncertainties about how to discuss these topics with their own children. Also, parents might believe that their child is not at risk or that certain situations or people are not potential threats. This misconception might stem from a lack of understanding about the prevalence and nature of child sexual abuse (CSA). 

Let us look at seven common misconceptions that many Indian parents have about CSA.

1. “Only strangers pose a threat.”

Contrary to popular belief, most abuse happens at the hands of someone the child knows and trusts, not just strangers. Teaching kids about “tricky people” rather than just “strangers” can be more effective. Globally, and in India, it has been seen that in 95% of child sexual abuse cases, the predator is a person either related to the child or well-known to them like a neighbour, family friend, teacher, etc. While parents must talk to kids about the importance of staying away from strangers, it is even more important to teach children that even those close to them can be tricky.

2. “Talking about it will scare them.” or “They will lose their innocence.”

Some parents avoid discussing body safety assuming it might frighten or confuse children. They feel that examples of abuse will be used while teaching children. In reality, body safety education does not talk about sexual abuse. It teaches them that their body is their own and they have the right to decide how they want to be touched. It helps kids develop healthy relationships and help them set boundaries with others. It also makes children aware and confident in recognizing inappropriate behaviour.

3. “It only happens to girls or kids of a certain age.”

Child abuse and exploitation can happen to anyone regardless of gender, age, race, or background. Boys can be victims too, and abuse can happen at any age. Yes, globally and in India, girls are more vulnerable to sexual abuse. However, boys are also targeted and often find it much harder to disclose/report abuse due to existing ideas about masculinity where displaying vulnerability is considered taboo.

4. “My child will tell me immediately if something happens.”

Kids (no matter how close to you they are) may not disclose abuse right away due to fear, shame, a lack of understanding or confusion. They might delay reporting or struggle to articulate what happened, so it’s essential to create an open and supportive environment for discussion without pressure. Educating kids about body safety with frequent discussions, role-plays with scripts can help them to recognize and report abuse when it happens.

5. “It’s best to avoid discussing such topics. ” or “Discussing these things will over-sexualize my child.”

While it might feel uncomfortable, teaching children proper names for body parts and discussing their privacy and boundaries is very important. Parents need to talk to their kids about these topics without shame and focus on creating an environment at home where kids can discuss these topics without shame or fear. Giving kids age-appropriate information about their private parts, sex and reproduction can help them express discomfort or abuse more accurately.

6. “Teaching Good Touch Bad Touch is enough.”

Good touch Bad Touch focuses only on touch. It does not help a child think about what to do if shown pornography or asked to take off their clothes for pictures. In the internet and mobile phone era, abusers can groom kids without touching them at all. Telling sexually explicit jokes, watching inappropriate videos are just some of the ways in which abuse can begin. Good Touch Bad Touch is too simplistic and one-dimensional to cover all these aspects of grooming and abuse. It also does not help a child understand boundaries and consent, which are crucial in preventing unsafe behaviour.

7. “My child is too young to know this.”

In fact, the earlier parents begin talking to their kids about these topics, the better. As per the National Crime Records Bureau’s 2022 report, over 20% of child sexual abuse occurs with kids under the age of eight. Teach kids about simple concepts like consent, body boundaries and private parts as early as 2 years. As kids grow, we can increase the information we give them in an age-appropriate manner.  

Parents should aim to create an environment where children feel safe discussing anything, including uncomfortable or difficult topics related to body safety. Storybooks, roleplays are great starting points for having these important discussions with children. Providing age-appropriate information and fostering open communication helps empower children to recognize and respond to potential threats effective