Hadi Wijaya
The Indonesian Pediatric Society (IDAI) has issued a series of comprehensive recommendations aimed at empowering parents to educate their children about body privacy and sexual safety, starting from the toddler years. Dr. Eva Devita, SpA(K), Chairperson of the IDAI Child Protection Task Force, emphasized during a recent virtual media briefing that the foundation for child safety begins with the recognition of one’s own physical boundaries. According to Dr. Eva, the process of educating children about private areas should ideally begin before the age of five, specifically at the developmental stage when children start to recognize and name various parts of their bodies. By establishing clear terminology and boundaries early on, parents can provide their children with the tools necessary to identify inappropriate behavior and communicate effectively with trusted adults.
The Developmental Timeline of Body Privacy Education
The IDAI’s approach to sex education and body safety is structured around the child’s cognitive and emotional development. Dr. Eva outlined a progressive educational framework that evolves as the child grows, ensuring that the information provided is age-appropriate and easy to comprehend.
The Toddler and Preschool Years (Under 5 Years Old)
For children under the age of пve, the focus is on basic identification and the establishment of "no-go" zones. At this age, children are naturally curious about their bodies. Dr. Eva advises parents to use correct anatomical terms rather than euphemisms. "When a child begins to recognize their body parts, we should inform them of the correct names, such as the vagina, chest, and buttocks, and explain that these areas are private and should not be touched by anyone," she stated.
Using correct terminology—such as "penis" and "vagina"—is a critical safety measure. Experts in child protection often note that if a child is unfortunately subjected to abuse, being able to name the body parts accurately helps investigators and medical professionals understand the situation more clearly. Furthermore, it removes the "shame" or "secrecy" often associated with these areas, which perpetrators frequently exploit.
The School-Age Transition (6 to 7 Years Old)
As children enter school age, their social circles expand, and they spend more time away from the direct supervision of their parents. This transition requires a reinforcement of the rules regarding body privacy. At this stage, children often begin to ask "why" certain areas are off-limits.
Dr. Eva noted that parents should use this curiosity as an opportunity to explain the concept of bodily autonomy. "Parents should explain again that these areas may only be touched by specific people under specific circumstances, because that body belongs to the child and not to anyone else," she explained. This reinforces the idea that the child has the right to say "no" to unwanted touch, even from familiar figures.
Pre-Puberty Education (8 to 10 Years Old)
When children reach the ages of eight to ten, they approach the threshold of puberty. This stage requires a more detailed level of education. Dr. Eva suggests that parents begin discussing the biological differences between male and female reproductive organs, the functional purpose of these organs, and the importance of hygiene and protection.
At this level, the conversation shifts toward the consequences of failing to maintain boundaries. "We explain this using child-friendly language," Dr. Eva said, highlighting the need to discuss the impact of privacy violations. This stage is crucial for helping children understand the changes their bodies will soon undergo and how to navigate the social complexities of adolescence safely.
Statistical Context: The Urgency of Early Education in Indonesia
The recommendations from the IDAI come at a time when child protection remains a significant concern in Indonesia. Data from the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) and the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (KemenPPPA) highlight a persistent trend in child abuse cases.
In 2023, the Online Information System for the Protection of Women and Children (SIMFONI-PPA) recorded thousands of cases of violence against children, with sexual violence consistently ranking as one of the most prevalent forms of abuse. Many of these cases involve perpetrators who are known to the child, such as neighbors, family members, or educators. This "proximity factor" underscores the importance of Dr. Eva’s advice: children must know that their bodies are their own, and they must be taught to identify "special" or "private" areas that are not for public access.
Furthermore, KPAI reports suggest that a lack of early education regarding body boundaries often leaves children unable to report abuse, as they may not realize that the behavior they are experiencing is inappropriate or illegal. By implementing the IDAI’s guidelines, parents act as the first line of defense in breaking the cycle of silence.
Defining "Safe People" and Boundaries
A vital component of the IDAI’s educational framework is identifying who is allowed to see or touch a child’s private areas. Dr. Eva emphasized that this list should be extremely limited. Generally, only the mother (or primary caregiver during bathing or cleaning) and medical professionals (during examinations in the presence of a parent) should have access.
"These areas—the chest, genitals, thighs, buttocks, and mouth—must be identified to the child as regions that can only be touched or seen by specific people. Only the mother and the doctor," Dr. Eva clarified. By creating a very short list of "authorized" individuals, parents help children develop a "red flag" system. If someone outside of that list attempts to touch those areas, the child is conditioned to recognize it as a violation of the rules.
The Role of Correct Terminology in Child Safety
One of the most significant aspects of the IDAI’s guidance is the move away from nicknames for body parts. While many cultures use "pet names" for genitals to avoid perceived awkwardness, child safety experts argue that this can be dangerous.
- Clarity in Reporting: If a child tells a teacher "someone touched my flower," the teacher might not immediately recognize the gravity of the situation. If the child uses correct anatomical terms, the urgency is clear.
- Removing Stigma: Using correct names treats these body parts as normal biological features rather than something "dirty" or "secret." Perpetrators often use the "secrecy" of these parts to groom children.
- Educational Foundation: It prepares children for later health and science education, fostering a mature and informed perspective on human biology.
Addressing Cultural Taboos and Parental Hesitancy
In many parts of Indonesia and globally, discussing "sex education" or even body parts can be a sensitive or taboo subject. Many parents fear that talking about these topics will "lose their child’s innocence" or encourage premature curiosity. However, the IDAI and other global health organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), argue the opposite.
The WHO’s "International Technical Guidance on Sexuality Education" supports the IDAI’s stance, noting that age-appropriate education actually delays sexual activity and increases the likelihood that a child will report abuse. Dr. Eva’s briefing serves as a reminder to parents that providing this information is not "sexualizing" the child, but rather "protecting" them.
The IDAI encourages a "natural" approach to these conversations. Rather than a single, daunting "big talk," parents are encouraged to integrate these lessons into daily routines, such as during bath time or while getting dressed. This makes the information part of the child’s general knowledge rather than a taboo or frightening subject.
Broader Implications for Public Health and Policy
The advocacy by Dr. Eva Devita and the IDAI reflects a broader shift toward proactive child protection in Indonesia. As the nation continues to strengthen its legal framework—including the Law on the Crime of Sexual Violence (UU TPKS)—the role of medical professionals in public education becomes even more critical.
The IDAI’s Task Force for Child Protection works not only to treat the physical and psychological wounds of abuse but to prevent them through community outreach. By targeting parents, the IDAI is addressing the root of the child’s support system. When parents are informed and comfortable discussing body boundaries, the home becomes a sanctuary of safety and communication.
Conclusion: A Call to Action for Caregivers
The core message of the IDAI media briefing is that education is the most effective form of prevention. By following the timeline of naming parts under age five, explaining ownership during school age, and discussing biological functions and risks during pre-puberty, parents build a layered defense for their children.
As Dr. Eva Devita concluded, the ultimate goal of this sex education is for children to understand their reproductive functions and recognize their inherent right to privacy. In an era where children are increasingly exposed to various social environments, the ability to distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate touch is a life-saving skill. The IDAI continues to urge parents to overcome their hesitations and begin these vital conversations early, ensuring that every child grows up with the knowledge and confidence to protect their own body.
