‘Good touch, bad touch’ awareness to be included in school syllabus

LAHORE:The Punjab Home Department has taken a significant step to prevent incidents of child abuse by recommending the inclusion of awareness on ‘Good touch, bad touch’ in the school curriculum.

A formal letter has been issued to the School Education Department, emphasising the urgent need to educate children on personal safety. The initiative aims to teach young students how to differentiate between appropriate and inappropriate physical behaviour in an age-appropriate manner.

‘Children, when given the right education and awareness, can recognise and report inappropriate behaviour,’ the letter states. Parents and teachers are urged to guide children on how to report inappropriate conduct at home and in public spaces.

The department highlighted that victims of sexual abuse often suffer long-term trauma, underscoring the state's responsibility to protect children and bring perpetrators to justice. Children must be empowered to expose abusers rather than fear them. To implement this initiative effectively, experts will be consulted for the development of educational modules on the subject. Additionally, the Home Department, through the Child Protection & Welfare Bureau, is preparing an awareness campaign to safeguard children from abuse and exploitation.

Given the sensitivity of the issue, immediate strategic measures are needed to protect future generations. Raising awareness about ‘Good Touch, Bad Touch’ is a crucial preventive step for ensuring children's safety, the spokesperson for the home department stated.