Go beyond good touch and bad touch to protect children: Experts

Experts said that schools need to organise sessions to educate children with disabilities about the differences between the two touches and how to deal with the ‘bad touch’.

Smitha Sadasivam of the Disability Rights Alliance said that TULIR- Centre for the Prevention and Healing Child Sexual Abuse and Vidya Sagar, a city-based NGO, had put together a module in braille and in sign languages that could be used in schools. “The module touches upon important topics with great care and sensitivity. But not many schools have implemented this,” she said.

However, others like Meenakshi Balasubramanian of Equals - Centre for Promotion of Social Justice, pointed out that schools must go beyond than just the addressing the concept of good and bad touch.

“There are some schools that inform children on the basics. But it is not enough. When it comes to disabled children, there are a range of barriers that need to be addressed,” she said, adding that a comprehensive child protection policy could go a long way in preventing such crimes.

At a reputed school meant for children with disabilities, there are classes conducted every year for students by a doctor.

When contacted, a teacher of the institution said, “In the classes, we have videos with narrations and voice-overs that help children with visual impairment. We know from their reaction if they have experienced a difficult situation. Lessons are provided to a smaller group of children, which allows us to connect with every child individually.”