No Shame in Using the Right Name

DANIEL JAMES MORCOMBE

News was publish in 12 September 2012, by Daily Mercury

NOT sure how to phrase private body parts around your children?

Why not just call it a penis or vagina because that's what they'll be taught at school.

Children from Prep to Year 2 will now be taught to use the correct anatomical names under a new Daniel Morcombe Child Safety Curriculum.

The curriculum aims to teach children about personal safety and awareness by focusing on three key safety messages, "Recognise, React and Report".

But not all parents are thrilled with the idea.

Pyper Lampard, 8, and her friend Emilee Norman, 9, may be learning a few new words at school.

Katie Norman said she wasn't completely comfortable with her children using the words penis and vagina.

"I mean I have three girls so it's probably a little bit different than also having a son," she said.

"If it's going to make the kids more open - if something does happen - then yes, I think ... we just don't use it at home."

However, Jaclyn Hearne said she already taught her children to use the correct names and supported the new curriculum.

"They already know what it is," she said. "If something was to happen they need to know exactly what it's called.

"It's just a part of learning, it's like calling your elbow, your elbow - they need to know."

A guide for parents on the new curriculum states: "Learning rules about private body parts is also included to develop understanding about inappropriate touching.

"Students will use anatomical language for private body parts in lessons to remove the shame and embarrassment often associated with discussing genitalia."

The guide says using the words penis and vagina can improve confidence in children to report inappropriate touching and "removes any confusion that nicknames can cause".

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