Parenting: Now school is no longer a 'safe space'! A bad female teacher abused a student, how to create a safety net for your sons?

How to Protect Boys from Sexual Abuse: A case of sexual abuse of a 16-year-old student by a 40-year-old female teacher has come to light in a reputed English medium school in Mumbai. As soon as this shocking news came out, many serious questions have arisen in society. Although the female teacher was arrested under the POCSO Act, the question also arose that sexual crimes can be committed not only by men but also by women. This incident is a warning to parents that focusing only on the safety of daughters is not enough; it is also important to make sons emotionally and mentally alert in time.

This case is also serious because the accused in this case is not an outsider but a school teacher, part of an institution on which parents trust blindly. Police investigation has revealed that the female teacher had been sexually abusing the student for the last year, and she had liked him since the age of 13. The student's silence broke when the teacher started pressuring him to meet with the student's home staff.

How to protect your sons from such situations (How to Protect Boys From Sexual Abuse)-
Teach body safety to sons as well-
In most homes, sons are raised with things like "be a man", "nothing happens". But it is important to change this thinking. Children should be made to understand that their body is theirs only, and if any person - be it a teacher, relative, or friend - makes them feel uncomfortable, they should not only say 'no' but also immediately tell a trusted adult.

Maintain an open dialogue-
Parents need to keep an open dialogue with children. Talk to them like a friend. Take out 10-15 minutes every day during which the child can tell about his daily routine without fear. If the child is feeling uncomfortable about something, do not ignore him.

Both online and offline safety is important-
In today's time, children come in contact with many things not only from school or relatives, but also through the online medium. Parents should keep a careful watch on the mobile and internet usage of children. But this monitoring should not seem like spying; rather, children should feel that it is for their well-being.

Teach both alertness and confidence-
Children should be mentally prepared that if someone misbehaves with them, they should not be afraid. Fill them with confidence and teach them how they can come out of such a situation. Also tell them that hiding or tolerating anything is not the solution to the problem.

Partnership of school and parents-
Schools should also play an active role in this direction. Body safety workshops, counseling sessions and regular safety training should be mandatory in every school. Parents should participate in such sessions along with the school and keep an eye on the safety policy of the school.

Adopt counseling-
If something wrong happens to the child, then instead of scolding him and advising him to remain silent, you should take him to a counselor for psychological help. Otherwise he may become a victim of depression anxiety.

Remember that if anyone, be it a son or a daughter, is being treated unfairly, then keeping quiet is encouraging crime. Make your children aware in time, give them an environment of trust and security – this is the biggest parenting responsibility in today's times.

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