THE EDITOR, Sir:
ON JULY 22, there was a discussion on the RJR radio programme 'Beyond the Headlines' about the sexual abuse of children. The participants were sensitive, caring and well-informed.
They discussed, among other things, how one can prepare young children to deal with the threat of abuse. One suggestion was to teach them about 'good touch, bad touch'.
I realise that this idea has been widely promoted, accepted and practised, but may I give a word of caution. We need to be careful what we label as bad, especially in training young children. They tend to take things literally and seriously and the word 'bad' could create in them a reaction of revulsion and fear, which could remain in them more or less permanently.
Is this what we want for them where sexual touching is concerned? There is going to come a time in these children's lives when what we labelled 'bad' will be entirely appropriate. But will they then be able to 'unfreeze' and enjoy sexual touching?
I suggest that instead of 'good touch, bad touch', we teach them about the right time, the right place/circumstances, and the right person. Hence, the importance of rejecting the wrong time, the wrong circumstances and the wrong person.
I am, etc.,
FAITH LINTON
Cranbrook
St. Ann's Bay
