Which practice is recommended to protect children against sexual abuse?

• A. Call private parts correct names
• B. Tell a child to keep secrets from parents
• C. Express special interest in a child's private parts
• D. Ask a child for help with the adult's own private parts

Answer: (A)

Teaching children the correct names for private parts is the best approach because it normalizes anatomy, reduces confusion and shame, and equips a child to describe uncomfortable or concerning situations clearly. When kids use precise terms, parents, teachers, and clinicians can understand exactly what happened, respond promptly, and document details accurately for reporting if needed. This open language also makes it easier for a child to seek help and for adults to recognize boundaries being crossed.

Why the other options don’t fit: telling a child to keep secrets from parents undermines safety and can allow abuse to go unrevealed or unaddressed. showing unusual or inappropriate interest in a child’s private parts is a red flag and not a protective teaching practice. asking a child to help with an adult’s private parts is an explicit boundary violation and harmful, not a preventive strategy.