Sexual education for children should not be taboo. This knowledge is beneficial for preventing abuse and helps prevent trauma that can have long-term effects on children’s mental health.
Therefore, parents need to be attentive to their children’s needs and feelings and create a safe and comfortable environment for discussing topics that may be considered sensitive. By doing so, children can be more open with their parents and feel supported.
The Women’s Studies Center at Universitas Gadjah Mada (PSW UGM) recently held a sexual education session for mothers, delivered by Dr. Widya Nayati, Head of PSW UGM, at the Manggung Village Hall, Sleman Regency.
Around 60 participants, including local residents and Manggung Village women’s group members, attended the session.
Dr. Nayati emphasized that introducing sexual education from an early age is a crucial step in protecting children from potential sexual abuse.
She explained that children need to be taught to recognize parts of their bodies, particularly those that should not be touched by anyone other than trusted parents or caregivers. Understanding bodily boundaries is vital to instill in children from a young age.
“With proper understanding, children will be more capable of protecting themselves from potential sexual abuse, which is often perpetrated by those closest to them,” Dr. Nayati stressed in a written statement sent to reporters on Friday (Nov. 15).
In addition to teaching children to recognize their body parts, Dr. Nayati provided specific guidelines for parents regarding when boys should no longer be bathed by their mothers and girls should no longer be bathed by their fathers.
She explained that being mindful of these boundaries helps prevent confusion in children regarding bodily privacy and fosters an early awareness of healthy limits.
Dr. Nayati also highlighted that most cases of sexual abuse involve individuals close to the family, such as relatives, including uncles, aunts, grandparents, cousins, or those living in the same household.
Therefore, she urged parents to remain vigilant and pay close attention to any changes in behavior or signs that may indicate their children are experiencing discomfort or distress.
Additionally, Dr. Nayati provided practical tips on how to discuss sexual education with children. She advised parents to listen attentively to their children without being judgmental.
“Open and positive communication will create a stronger bond between parents and children, making children feel safe to express whatever they are experiencing,” she said.
The sexual education session received positive feedback from participants. Many mothers felt they gained new insights and were more prepared to protect their children from dangers.
“After this, I feel more confident in introducing sexual education to my children,” said one of the participants.
Dr. Nayati hopes that this activity will increase public understanding and awareness of the importance of sexual education for children from an early age.
Through this initiative, she invited parents to take an active role in providing appropriate and healthy sexual education, creating a safer and healthier environment for future generations.
With initiatives like this, it is hoped that society will become more open to discussing sexual education in the context of child protection and take concrete steps to prevent violence and sexual abuse.
Author: Rahma Khoirunnisa
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Photo: Freepik