What are private areas on the body?
Is abuse only about physical contact?
What should you do if you notice signs of abuse?
These were some of the key questions raised during the sex education session for students in grades 4–9 at The Dewey Schools. With child abuse cases on the rise, the school organized this special session to equip students with essential knowledge on abuse prevention, empowering them to protect themselves and those around them.
The session was led by expert Lê Ngọc Bảo, who has over 10 years of experience advocating for women’s and children’s rights at the NGO ChildFund. The speaker provided a comprehensive overview of child abuse in Vietnam. According to a government report in February 2020, from January 2015 to June 2019, 6,364 cases of child sexual abuse were recorded, with 6,432 victims. A lesser-known but alarming reality is that in some countries, boys face an equal or even higher risk of sexual abuse compared to girls.
Beyond theoretical discussions, TDSers actively engaged in conversations about private areas and different forms of abuse. Expert Lê Ngọc Bảo emphasized that abuse is not limited to physical contact but also includes non-physical forms such as verbal harassment, inappropriate messages, coercion into sharing sensitive images, or exposure to explicit websites.
Social media is considered the most dangerous platform for non-physical abuse. Online predators may use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and chat apps to pose as friends or relatives, deceiving children into sharing private images or engaging in unsafe behaviors. The speaker highlighted real-life cases where abusers used social engineering tactics to exploit children. Additionally, TDSers learned about unsafe sharing of sexual content online, the risks of storing or posting sensitive images, and Vietnamese laws regarding sexual relations with minors under 16.
From these valuable lessons, TDSers memorized 3 golden rules to protect themselves:
- NO: Firmly refuse any action that makes you uncomfortable.
- GO: Find a safe place or a trusted person if you feel threatened.
- TELL: Share with a trusted adult or call hotline 111 for support.
Minh Phúc (Grade 6Berlin) shared, “I was surprised to learn that boys can be at equal risk of abuse as girls. Before, I thought only girls were vulnerable. After this session, I feel more aware and confident in protecting myself.”
This workshop not only provided critical knowledge but also helped TDSers build awareness and self-defense skills against abuse risks. Sex education and abuse prevention are not just one-time lessons but a strong shield that will accompany students throughout their journey to adulthood.
