Recent incidents in India underscore a pressing and alarming issue surrounding child safety and sexual abuse. In Badlapur, Maharashtra, a distressing case emerged involving the sexual abuse of a four-year-old girl by a school janitor. Similarly, an 11-year-old girl in Pune was assaulted during a 'Good Touch-Bad Touch' (GTBT) class at her school. These incidents are not isolated; they reflect a disturbing trend in child abuse across the nation.
According to the 2019 National Crime Records Bureau report, a rape is reported in India every 16 minutes. This staggering statistic underscores the severity of the problem. In response to the rape and murder of a young doctor, President Droupadi Murmu remarked, "Victims include kindergarten girls. A civilized society cannot permit its daughters and sisters to endure such atrocities." Her statement highlights the urgent need for societal and educational reforms to protect children from sexual abuse.
Aamir Khan's Advocacy on Child Safety
In the realm of public awareness and education, actor Aamir Khan has played a significant role. Through his television show Satyamev Jayate, Khan addressed the critical concepts of 'Good Touch' and 'Bad Touch'. His advocacy extended to recommending professional training for both boys and girls starting at the age of ten. This training emphasizes understanding body parts and fostering mutual respect, providing children with accurate and scientifically sound information.
The landscape of child safety has evolved significantly, with parents increasingly recognizing the need for early education. Dimple Laddha, a mother of two, began teaching her daughter about 'Good Touch' and 'Bad Touch' when she was just three years old, coinciding with her entry into preschool. Laddha stresses the importance of early home education, stating, "I taught them which parts of their body should not be touched by anyone." This proactive approach is crucial, as the GTBT concept serves as a vital tool in ensuring children's safety.
The Concept of 'Good Touch' and 'Bad Touch'
Understanding the distinction between 'Good Touch' and 'Bad Touch' is fundamental to child protection. 'Good Touch' represents affectionate and reassuring contact, such as a parent comforting a child. These touches, provided by trusted individuals, are intended to offer comfort and security. Professor Sharangdhar Sathe, Director of the School of Performing Arts at Bharati Vidyapeeth University in Pune, highlights the importance of this concept, noting that his parents, Dr. A.G. Sathe and Dr. Shanta Sathe, have dedicated over 40 years to training teachers across India in this area.
In contrast, 'Bad Touch' refers to inappropriate or unwelcome contact. Any touch that occurs without permission or with harmful intent falls into this category. Touches that make a child uncomfortable should be addressed immediately. Children must be encouraged to clearly say "no" and move away from such situations. Mathangi Badrinathan, a mother of a 13-year-old girl, began educating her daughter about touch when she was around two years old, as she was beginning to understand her surroundings.
