Kids & Family

Teaching children body safety: what to say

Teaching children body safety: the right reflexes in a few simple steps.

Written by Mohamed IDBRAHIM · Updated octobre 13, 2026 · 7 min read

Immediate actions

  1. 1 Use the correct anatomical names for body parts.
  2. 2 Explain safe versus unsafe touch simply.
  3. 3 Teach that secrets about bodies are never okay.
  4. 4 List trusted adults they can always tell.

What not to do / warning

Children who know the words disclose abuse sooner.

When a teaching children body safety happens, the first minutes matter. Follow these steps to act safely and without panic.

What to do right now

  1. Use the correct anatomical names for body parts.
  2. Explain safe versus unsafe touch simply.
  3. Teach that secrets about bodies are never okay.
  4. List trusted adults they can always tell.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Acting before removing the immediate source of danger.
  • Panicking or skipping the official procedures.
  • Following unverified advice from random websites.

How to prevent this in the future

Regular checks, keeping emergency numbers visible and preparing an essentials kit go a long way. Save this guide for offline access.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do first?

Ensure everyone is safe, remove the source of danger, then call the relevant number or begin the official procedure.

When should I call emergency services?

Whenever life, serious injury or fire is involved. When in doubt, call — dispatchers would rather check than miss an emergency.

Sources & references

  • RAINN (https://www.rainn.org/)