By Crystal Donaldson
NORMAL – If giving a hug or handshake rubs you the wrong way, some experts say it’s ok to say no.
The YWCA and Unit 5 schools have partnered to teach kids about boundaries.
The Stepping Stones workshop teaches kids about safe touches; such as high fives, hand shakes and hugs.
The students are also taught how to say no to unsafe touches which can be any body part under a swimsuit and anything violent, for example hitting or pushing.
Cinnamon Porter, the Prevention Educator for YWCA, said it’s best to talk with your kids early.
“I’m just glad that there is someone out there, in this case it is me, but, teaching them how to keep their bodies safe and making sure that they’re respected,” Porter explained. “The younger that we have this conversation the bigger impact we can have in terms of decreasing the rates of sexual abuse.”
All Unit 5 students can participate in the week long work shop or opt out at parent request.
Crystal Donaldson can be reached at crystal.donaldson@cumulus.com.
