Children should know the difference between “okay” and “not okay” or “good” and “bad” touches – touches that are welcome and comforting, and those that are intrusive, unwanted, painful, or uncomfortable. Children should know that they have the right to say “no” to being touched, even to adults, and that no children or adults should touch their private parts unless in very specific circumstances, and for a healthy purpose. This is where it can be helpful to discuss “safe adults,” like doctors, who check our bodies to help keep us healthy, and only in the presence of a parent or trusted adult. For more information on safety rules for very young children, read the VIRTUS® article “Sharing Developmental, Age-Appropriate Information with Children” at lacatholics.org/did-you-know/.

Read the VIRTUS® article “Sharing Developmental, Age-Appropriate Information with Children” here.