Abstract
Teaching elementary students about sexual health is not a common practice in the United States; however, the ability of children to understand and prevent sexual abuse could be learned in programs dedicated to improving communication about safe touch and boundaries. This study evaluates a program (i.e., “My Body, My Boundaries”) currently being conducted in Mississippi with elementary age students and their parents. The hour long program taught children and their parents/guardians about proper body names and how to set clear boundaries of who can and cannot touch them. A total of 101 parents/guardians and 127 children completed the program. Significant improvement in parental self-reported knowledge was found with a pre/post-test. Recommendations for continued improvement have been provided.
Key Take Away Points
- This study evaluates a program currently being conducted in Mississippi with elementary age students and their parents.
- The hour long program taught children and their parents/guardians about proper body names and how to set clear boundaries of who can and cannot touch them.
- A total of 101 parents/guardians and 127 children completed the program.
- Significant improvement in parental self-reported knowledge was found with a pre/post-test.
Author Biography
Dr. Claire Kimberly, CFLE is currently a research coordinator in the Department of Internal Medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University. Previously, she was an Associate Professor in the Department of Child and Family Studies at the University of Southern Mississippi.
Recommended Citation
Kimberly, Claire
(2020)
"’My Body, My Boundaries’: The Impact of a New Sexual Health Program on Elementary Age Children and Parents in Mississippi,"
Journal of Applied Research on Children: Informing Policy for Children at Risk: Vol. 11:
Iss.
2, Article 1.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.58464/2155-5834.1382
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/childrenatrisk/vol11/iss2/1
