Ryan School murder case: Tips parents should follow to protect their child from sexual abuse

The murder of a class second boy Pradyuman Thakur in Ryan Internal School, Gurgugram has shaken the country. The seven-year-old boy was found lying in a pool of blood with his throat slit in the school's washroom. 

Pradyuman was allegedly murdered by a bus conductor who had attempted to sexually abuse the child. The incident puts a big question mark on the safety of children.

Parents have protested against the school management and demanded CBI investigation in this case. But will this be enough?

Parents often teach their children different ways to keep themselves safe. They tell the children to stay away from fire or follow the traffic rules while crossing the street. But what about body safety?

At a time, when cases of sexual abuse of children are escalating at an alarming level, parents need to be more alert. Why not arm children with knowledge so as to knock off the stranger danger? The following tips need to be religiously followed by every parent to ensure the safety of their child. 

Teach children about good and bad touch

You need to have this talk with your child. Don't wait for your child to grow up to start the conversation. Teaching about good and bad touch in early age will go a long way in keeping the child safe from predators out there. 

Teach children body parts are private

As a parent, you need to tell your child that his/her private parts are referred as private because they are not meant for everyone to see. You need to explain that being parents, only you can see them naked and other people can only see them with their full clothes. 

Make them aware of body boundaries

You need to be open with the child and teach him/her that no one should touch his/her private part no matter what happens. The teaching doesn't end here. You should also tell that he/she shouldn't even touch someone else body parts. You should remember, the sexual abuse often starts when the culprit asks the child to touch him. 

Communicate with them as much as you can

Remember, communication is the key to everything. There should be no communication gap between the parent and child. You need to build up the trust so that children tell you everything and anything. You should listen to them carefully and see for any changes in their behaviour. 

Believe what your children say

If you often question what they say, children might hesitate to reveal if anything happens to them. While you teach them about inappropriate touch, you need to make them believe that you won't get mad if such things happen to them.  

Inform the children that no one is allowed to take their nude pictures

This is a very important pointer and needs to be stressed. The world is full of pedophiles who don't even mind taking naked pictures of children and circulating them online. You should tell your child that no person is allowed to take pictures of private parts. 
Pedophiles even try to molest the children by showing them nude pictures and pornography. Tell your child that no individual should ever show such pictures to him or her.