Police: What is ‘good touch’ and ‘bad touch’
'Children should know that they have the right to say no.'
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Parents should educate their young ones what good and bad touching is, the Randfontein Police said in support of Child Protection Week.
“Children should be taught that the areas which can be covered by a bathing costume is no go area for touching.
Good touching is for example if the doctor examines you and bad touching is when you do not feel comfortable when touched,” said Captain Appel Ernst, Randfontein Police spokesperson.
She added children should have an open communication with their parents regarding these issues therefore it is necessary to educate them on this.
“Children should know that they have the right to say no. They should know that if they are in a situation which they are not comfortable with, they should run away, report to an adult whom they trust and shout, no.”
Child Protection Week, a campaign led by the Department of Social Development (DSD) was initiated in 1997 in order to raise awareness and to mobilize all sectors and communities towards the perspective of a holistic development and the care and protection of children.
The week has become an annual campaign to educate and mobilize communities to put children first. It was commemorated from 29 May to 5 June 2016.
This year’s theme was ‘Let us all protect children to move South Africa forward’. Regarding Randfontein’s men and women in blue, they had numerous initiatives throughout that week to educate and protect the young communities.
Ernst added,
School searches also were conducted to create awareness that crime does not pay.”
Parents and teachers are encouraged to teach their children the following …:
• trust the police and that they are your friend
• only approach marked police vehicles and uniformed police when in trouble
• never approach a vehicle unless you are absolutely sure you know the occupant
• never accept a lift from a stranger; do not speak to adults you do not know
• never accept sweets, money or other things from strangers
• always let your parent/guardian/caretaker know where you are
• avoid giving your home address/telephone number to strangers
• walk to and from school/bin in groups
• do not wander off
• avoid isolated places and do not hitchhike.
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