1. Workshop report
Good Touch and Bad Touch
An awareness program on ‘Good Touch and Bad Touch’ was conducted at Akshara International
School Pune on 24th ,25th and 26th of July 2016. The Counsellor of the School conducted the
program with an aim in bringing awareness among the students about the different types of touch
and the Safety body rule- knowing one’s body, it aimed in educating and empowering children to
prevent situations and teach them right form of retaliation. Children today are exposed to external
environment and are around adults more on a daily basis. From childcare to schools, sports
practices to dance classes, children are interacting with adults regularly, so it is crucial for children
these days to know about the concept of good touch and bad touch for one’s personal safety. The
program brought about awareness of Good touch-which refers to safe touch wherein a child feels
happy and protected for example hug, kiss by parents. And Bad touch which refers to unsafe touch
wherein one feels uncomfortable or hurt, for example hitting, kicking or touching private parts. The
three areas on our body – chest, between legs and bottom (private parts), the parts covered by our
swimsuit are explained to the students as well and made them understand who can touch it (when
mother gives bath or Doctor check up in parent’s presence). Also the NO-RUN GO-TELL Counsellor
is introduced to them. The children are encourage to say ‘No’ when being touched or held
uncomfortable , ‘Go’ to people in their Safe Circle (Parents, teachers, Counsellors) people who could
help and protect them and ‘TELL’ experiences if they had witness without keeping any secret.
Children are explained to respect their bodies and also other’s. The program concluded with an
activity which encouraged the students to make a SAFE CIRCLE. Whom they think can protect and
help them (for example parents, teachers, School Counsellor). The children showed active
participation in terms of interaction and giving feedback. The program concluded in a positive note
and lots of learning to take away.