What schools can do to prevent 'Child Sexual Abuse'

A person sexually abuses a child when he or she exposes the child to sexual acts or behavior; that child may experience a variety of short and long term reactions as a consequence of that abuse. As parents our child's protection and safety are our primary concern. However, no matter how much we wish to, we cannot be around our kids 24/7. Kids will go to schools, clubs, friends' play-dates, birthday parties and field trips with or without the parents' supervision. In such scenarios we are putting our trust in other adults and care-givers to look after our kids. Unfortunately, like most parents, most of the care-givers (teachers, other moms) you will generally find around you are unaware of the dangers and high likelihood of incidence of child sexual abuse. Maids, drivers and other domestic staff are not counted here as they are not to be trusted with your child alone . Period. (This does not by any means imply that you should not be respectful and civil towards your domestic staff).

It is high time that our schools become active participants in standing against all kinds of child abuse. 

1. Educate your teachers on Child Sexual Abuse

It is essential that the school takes a leading role in teaching their staff on the dangers of Child Sexual Abuse and the high likelihood of it happening to any child. Teachers can act like an early warning system if they spot a sudden behavior/personality change in their students and should be trained on the appropriate way to communicate and approach the parents when they see any red flags. 

2. Ensure you have up-to-date personal details of your Staff

It is absolutely vital that all the staff at school as their up to date information in school records. The maids, watchmen, janitors and all other blue-collared staff should be registered with the nearest police station. Make sure that the records have copies of valid identifications (CNIC, license, personal references, phone numbers, photographs, thumb-prints etc). School rules should prohibit any scenario where the child is to be left alone under the supervision of any such staff (e.g., in all toilets there should be more than one maid present at all time and the teacher's aid from the specific class-room should always accompany the child to and fro the washrooms).

3. Conduct detailed background checks on your teachers

Teachers are one of the most respected professions and there really is no way to thank them enough for their contributions to our child's learning and growth. However, it does not absolve the school from conducting thorough background checks when they are hiring a new staff member. Make sure that you contact the personal references provided and also any other school for which the said person has worked before and inquire about the reasons for leaving.

4. Make Good Touch - Bad Touch Awareness part of curricula

"Indeed, childhood is like a laboratory of social connection. Sharing, negotiating, sticking up for the one who is being excluded, finding something good to say, playing by the rules—these simple tasks of childhood can become life skills of the highest order," writes psychiatrist Edward M. Hallowell. Loving and trusting the caregivers is something that comes naturally to all children, so does the difference between a good touch and a bad touch. But the while the child knows how to response to good touch and safe adults, they might not understand how they are supposed to react to a bad touch and who to tell if they feel uncomfortable and unsafe. The perpetrator is always intimidating and the child might even fear for their lives. Hence it is important that all schools ensure that they teach the child self-defense rules starting with "NO-GO-TELL" (for more on this rule please click here). Along with the workshop, poems, posters and essays should be part of the academic curricula (for a sample grade 3 curricula on this subject please click here)

5. Conduct workshops for Child Sexual Abuse Awareness for older students/parents

Senior students of the same school can act as excellent counselors for the young ones. They exude an aura of trust and protection and are more approachable for other students as compared to a teacher. Student counselers and secret drop boxes where children can make complaints in confidence are an essential step towards a integrated front against the abusers and to provide a platform of support for any victims.