Some two months back, a video, posted on Twitter by Roshan Rai, a teacher, where she
explains to her students the significance of “good touch” and “bad touch” went viral.
In the video, the teacher explains the distinction between a helpful touch, such as a hug or a pat on the head, and a destructive touch, which can damage physically or emotionally, using straightforward language and realistic examples.
Cut to Delhi-NCR. Though it’s informally taught in many private schools in Delhi-NCR, parents and educators in the region want the sensitive topic of ‘good touch, bad touch’ as part of the CBSE curriculum.
What’s good touch & bad touch
When a child feels at ease and safe, that is considered a nice touch. Take for instance — warmth-filled gestures like a soft hug, a pat on the back, a kiss on the forehead, a handshake.
On the other hand, bad touch is a gesture that makes a child feel uncomfortable. It includes inappropriate physical contact. So, if a child does not even like a simple hug, cheek tug, or pat, it could be construed as a harmful touch.
“For a child, the effects of a bad touch can be sinister. The easiest method to help a child understand the difference between a good and a bad touch is to explain to them what portions of their bodies are regarded as ‘private’,” says Dr Saban Rawat, a child psychologist based in Delhi.
What parents, educators say
“Children must be made aware of good and bad touch since it will help them develop emotionally resilient personalities. Though few teachers tell students in my daughter’s school about the same, I strongly believe it should be made a part of the as part of the curriculum,” says Sunila Prasad, a parent of a Class IV student in DPS-Delhi.
Agrees Ranjit Singh, whose six-year-old son studies in Heritage School in NCR. “The teaching of the concept of good and bad touch at the school level will enable children to cope more effectively with the less pleasant aspects of life at a latter stage. It will help the kids develop and better grasp numerous situations in their lives as a result,” he says.
Prasad and Singh, and some other parents of Delhi-NCR schools plan to run a signature campaign to influence the central board to give in to their “pertinent” demand. They are also trying to rope in some teachers and lawyers to help them in their “fight”.
“We also want that the concept be formally taught in schools. If we teach children from an early age about good touch and bad touch, it will help in preventing crimes against women to some extent. But parents need to play a proactive role in this too. They should also do their but at home,” says Maya Sinha Roy, a teacher with Scottish International School in NCR.
