Punjab to add “Good Touch, Bad Touch” awareness in school curriculum

LAHORE: In a major step towards ensuring the safety of children, the Punjab Home Department has directed the School Education Department to include awareness on ‘Good Touch, Bad Touch’ in the school curriculum.

The move aims to educate children about personal safety and help them identify inappropriate behavior, empowering them to report it effectively.

The official notification stresses the importance of including ‘Good Touch, Bad Touch’ awareness in the curriculum of elementary grades. The department stressed that providing proper education to children about personal safety is an urgent need of today’s society. The move is in line with the growing concerns about child sexual abuse and the need to equip children with knowledge to protect themselves.

According to the memo, after receiving proper education and awareness, children will be able to recognize inappropriate behavior and report it to their parents or teachers. The memo further highlights the responsibility of parents and teachers to guide children on how to identify and report such behavior at home and outside.

The Punjab government recognizes the lifelong trauma of children who are victims of sexual abuse. The memo states that it is the duty of the state to ensure the safety of children and bring the perpetrators to justice. It also stressed that children should be taught not to fear potential perpetrators but to expose them and seek help if needed.

The home department has recommended involving experts in developing a ‘Good Touch, Bad Touch’ module for the school curriculum, ensuring that the information provided is accurate and effective. In light of the sensitivity of the issue, the department has called for an immediate strategy to protect future generations.