Body Safety & Boundaries

Key Lessons: Teaching body autonomy, safe vs. unsafe touch, no secrets rule, recognizing tricky people, online safety awareness.

• Use simple, clear language: “Your body belongs to you.”
• Differentiate safe vs. unsafe touch (e.g., doctor's check with permission).
• Emphasize that secrets about touching are never okay.
• Teach about "tricky people" who may try to trick them with gifts or secrets.
• Reinforce the importance of always telling a safe adult if something feels wrong.
• Introduce basic online safety: never share names, addresses, or personal details online.

References: Kids First Inc. | NCMEC

Key Lessons: Strengthening personal boundaries, recognizing manipulation, reporting unsafe behavior, and navigating online and in-person interactions.

• Teach them that secrets about safety are never okay—even if an adult they know tells them to keep one.
• Foster open communication by ensuring they understand they will never be in trouble for speaking up.
• Focus on behaviors, not titles—unsafe people don’t always look scary or act like strangers.
• Discuss manipulation tactics like flattery, guilt-tripping, or making them feel "special."
• Introduce digital safety: private messages, gaming chats, and social media boundaries.
• Empower them to say "no" confidently and seek help if someone crosses their boundaries.

References: Child Mind Institute | NetSmartz (Online Safety)

Key Lessons: Navigating peer pressure, safe technology use, and building self-esteem to resist manipulative tactics.

• Encourage critical thinking about online communication and personal boundaries.
• Teach them to recognize grooming behaviors and manipulative language.
• Discuss online conversations—who they talk to and what information they share.
• Reinforce safe technology use, including social media privacy and messaging apps.
• Emphasize the importance of parental guidance when something feels unsafe.

References: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital

Key Lessons: Handling complex social situations, personal responsibility online, and establishing adult-level boundaries.

• Discuss consent and respect in relationships—both offline and online.
• Encourage personal rules for sharing photos, location, and personal details online.
• Talk about legal responsibilities—digital footprints, sexting laws, and online consequences.
• Prepare them for real-world interactions with teachers, coaches, or employers.
• Teach them to recognize power imbalances and how to safely report inappropriate behavior.

References: Kids First Body Safety Lessons