Good vs Bad Touch: A 20-Minute Conversation That Saves Children
Students watch video on ‘Good Touch and Bad Touch’ in BRAC school in Bangladesh.
Child sexual abuse is a silent epidemic affecting 1 billion children globally. In Bangladesh, reported cases rose 76% in one year. BRAC's solution? A simple but revolutionary 20-minute conversation that teaches children to recognize and resist abuse.
Shapla's Story: A Life-Changing Lesson
Eight-year-old Shapla* was visiting the local tailor in Dinajpur when he offered her chocolate while taking measurements. As she ate, he tried to molest her.
"She screamed, escaped from the shop and ran home - because she remembered her teacher's lesson about bad touch."
Shapla's quick reaction came from a 20-minute body safety session at her BRAC school, reinforced by a parent-teacher meeting about how to respond to abuse disclosures.
The Silent Epidemic
85%
Abused by someone they knew (Australia study)
76%
Increase in reported cases in Bangladesh (2018-2019)
1 Billion
Children affected globally (WHO estimate)
Poster for primary-level students on recognising good touch and bad touch. © BRAC
BRAC's 20-Minute Life-Saving Lesson
What Children Learn:
- Identifying private parts of the body
- Difference between safe/unsafe touches
- The "No, Go, Tell" response strategy
- Understanding body autonomy and consent
Teacher Training:
- Specialized training to conduct sensitive discussions
- Using videos and posters as teaching aids
- Creating safe spaces for children's questions
- Monthly refresher training sessions
Parent Engagement:
- Special sessions during parent-teacher meetings
- Guidance on responding to abuse disclosures
- Breaking intergenerational silence on the topic
- Community awareness campaigns
Measurable Impact
"Children were more likely to report abuse after the training. Girls reported standing up for themselves in public spaces more often."- Marzina Khatun, BRAC Education Programme
We All Have a Role to Play
The statistics are daunting, but change is possible when we break the silence.
It starts with a simple conversation - will you have yours today?
*Name changed to protect identity. Content developed based on BRAC Education Programme's child protection initiatives.