Your body belongs to you
Your body is yours. You have the right to say who can touch it and how.
Your private parts are the parts covered by your underwear, plus your chest. No one should touch them, look at them or ask you to touch theirs, except to keep you clean or healthy.
A parent may help you wash, or a doctor may check you when a parent or trusted adult is with you. That is different, and they should explain what they are doing.
Safe touch and unsafe touch
Safe touches feel kind and okay, like a high five, a hug you want, or a pat on the back from your grandmother.
Unsafe touches hurt you, scare you, confuse you or make you feel uncomfortable. Any touch of your private parts that is not for keeping you clean or healthy is unsafe.
You can say no to any touch, even a hug from a relative, if you do not want it. You can wave or say namaste instead.
Secrets and surprises
A surprise is something fun that everyone will find out about soon, like a birthday present.
A secret is something you are told never to tell. If anyone asks you to keep a secret about touching, photos or private parts, that is not okay. You should always tell.
You will never be in trouble for telling. It is never your fault, even if you said yes at first or got a gift.
No, Go, Tell
If someone gives you an unsafe touch, say NO loudly if you can. GO away to a safe place. TELL a trusted adult.
Think of three to five trusted adults you could tell, like a parent, a grandparent, a teacher or a school counsellor. If the first person does not listen, keep telling until someone does.
You can also call Childline on 1098. It is free, and someone answers day and night to help children.