Distinguishing Between Private and Public Body Parts

Concept and distinction between private and public areas

In children’s sex education, distinguishing between private and public areas is an essential pillar of prevention.

Public areas correspond to those parts of the body that are typically exposed during everyday interactions, such as the face, hands, and arms. These areas are used for greeting others, expressing oneself, or engaging in social play.

In contrast, private parts encompass the anatomical regions associated with intimacy and excretory functions, including the genitals, buttocks, anus, chest, and mouth.

Teaching children to correctly name each area using its scientific terms—penis, testicles, vulva, or anus—eliminates taboos and ambiguities.

Using euphemisms or childish nicknames hinders clear communication if children face situations of abuse.

Accurately identifying these body parts helps children understand the importance of self-care, setting firm boundaries against unwanted external contact, and strengthening self-awareness from a very early age and throughout their school years.

The Underwear Rule and Bodily Privacy

To help children understand, educators use a teaching tool called the underwear or swimsuit rule.

This strategy explains that all parts of the body covered by a swimsuit are strictly private and should not be touched or viewed by others.

Learning about bodily privacy is reinforced by linking it to everyday concepts, such as the existence of personal, non-transferable items or private spaces like the bathroom.

In this way, children come to understand that their own bodies belong exclusively to them. Likewise, self-stimulation or genital exploration should be redirected toward private spaces such as the bedroom, teaching them that these are not bad behaviors, but rather practices reserved for intimacy.

Gradually, encouraging autonomy in daily hygiene, dressing, and undressing reinforces this principle of bodily privacy, allowing children to progressively take control of and protect their own well-being.

Safety Guidelines and Consent Regarding One’s Own Body

Establishing boundaries around the body lays the foundation for teaching children about bodily consent and self-protection.

Children should be taught clear safety rules: no one should touch their private parts or force them to touch someone else’s.

Similarly, they should not expose their genitals to others or take or share photographs of their private parts.

Consent means that children are in control of their own bodies and have the right to decide about public displays of affection, without being forced to kiss or hug when they feel uncomfortable.

The only exception to examining private parts is for medical or hygiene checkups, always under the direct supervisio