Education ministry urged to teach children about unsafe touches

 

The parliamentary special select committee on women, children, and community development said there is a need to address issues such as teasing and body shaming. (Freepik pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

A parliamentary special select committee (PSSC) says the education ministry should ensure that health education incorporates guidance on identifying safe and unsafe touches, particularly within the family context.

The PSSC on women, children, and community development also recommended that the ministry empower students with practical strategies that go beyond textbook knowledge, Bernama reported.

The committee emphasised the need to address issues such as teasing and body shaming and also advocated for the promotion of body positivity and appreciation for natural features to enhance self-confidence.

“A holistic approach is also crucial in tackling paedophilia,” it said in a statement.

“This includes child protection education, equipping parents and educators with the tools to identify threats, and teaching children about physical and emotional boundaries.”

The committee said health education should emphasise the development of social skills and leadership abilities to counteract the unchecked influence of technology.

It called for awareness to be raised about infectious diseases, including STDs, by providing students with comprehensive information on causes, transmission, symptoms, effects and prevention.

In addition, the committee recommended that the ministry implement additional activities under the reproductive and social health education module outside of school hours.

These sessions should be conducted separately for male and female students to address sensitive topics in a conducive and comfortable environment, enabling both teachers and students to better understand the issues at hand.

The ministry was also urged to incorporate discussions on laws related to the fundamental rights and responsibilities of children, as well as the legal consequences of sexual crimes, particularly those involving minors and consensual sex cases.

After examining issues surrounding teenagers in conflict with the law, the committee highlighted that cases of sexual crimes, sexual grooming and other sexuality-related concerns now involve children as young as eight.

The committee said it was crucial to assess whether children fully comprehend the educational content presented in schools and questioned whether the current health education syllabus can effectively protect children from the growing threat of sexual crimes. - FMT