Mon corps est mon corps
Je voudrais vous présenter le programme Mon corps est mon corps.
C’est un programme de prévention de la maltraitance infantile, basé sur la musique. Il offre ainsi une approche différente de ce sujet difficile à aborder, grâce à des chansons amusantes, animées et chantées.
MY BODY IS MY BODY
A POSITIVE MUSICAL ANIMATED CHILDREN'S BODY SAFETY PROGRAMME
Welcome to My Body Is My Body Musical Body Safety Programme
It is one of the most successful, positive and fun musical "Body Safety" programs. Our program is now animated so that it can be shared with children in schools, nursery schools and homes. This program is free for everyone.
The consequences of child maltreatment for the affected child
The consequences of child maltreatment for the affected child and society as a whole are substantial, and education is one of the best ways to prevent this from happening. Our aim is to prevent child abuse and safeguard children with this programme but if a child is already in an abusive situation, the My Body is My Body Program will give them the knowledge of what to do and whom to turn to so they can try and get some help. Our priority is to reach and educate children and their parents before abuse occurs.
Our international child abuse prevention program contains:
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Full .pdf downloads in several languages
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6 songs to prevent abuse
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Step-by-step instructions for each song
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Ideas to get the children involved
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Signs of abuse to look for
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Lots of useful information
The earlier we can teach children about the subject of “Body Safety” the better, and I know that this programme works for children from the age of 3, as the program has been presented to over 1.3 million children around the world with great success.
The beauty of the My Body Is My Body Programme is that it can be taught by anyone. Social workers, teachers, daycare providers, parents, after-school programme providers, sports club organisers and many more. It is simple, memorable, and opens the channels of communication about the subject of abuse, which is of the utmost importance.
Why music?
Songs are also a wonderful way for children to remember the important messages being taught as they are interactive. I am sure you all remember little songs that you were taught as a child, these songs and messages will stay with the children and will also be good grounding for future life lessons.
A study which involved children, published in the Journal of Music Therapy, showed that music, and learning new songs relate to a more positive self-concept and development of self-esteem, helping children feel better about themselves.
*The Power of Music – University of Londen
How to use this programme:
Keep it Fun -
The songs are fun, positive animations, introduced by a character called Cynthie, this should
help you to keep the message simple.Sing along, do hand movements or dance, anything
to make the message memorable.
Keep it Simple -
Young children do not need to know any in-depth details of abuse just give them
simple rules:
1. Nobody should be hurting you
2. Nobody should be touching your private parts
3. Nobody should take photos of your private parts
4. If you have a problem tell somebody
5. Don’t keep secrets if someone is hurting you
6. Tell someone if you are being bullied
Keep it positive -
The main objective is to empower children so they feel positive about their bodies
and safe in the knowledge that they have someone to talk to if there is a problem.
My Body Is My Body- Song 1.
Song Objectives:
To teach children that their body is their own and no-one has the right to hurt them or touch their private parts.
Firstly be clear that the parts of their body covered by their underwear are private and belong to them.
Now it is important to explain to children that there may be times that parents or carers may have to touch their private parts for example:-
a) When they are very young, parents or carer will have to bathe them, but as they get older they will learn how to bathe themselves.
b) Parents or carers may have to apply medicine to their private parts if the child is sick or sore. Make sure they know that this is something only parents or carers would do and if it makes them feel uncomfortable they can always be shown how to apply the medicine themselves.
c) A doctor may have to touch their private parts if they are sick or sore, but that Mommy, Daddy or their carer would always be with them if the doctor had to touch them there. There is no other time that anyone should be touching their private parts. The most important thing is that the children know it is ok to say “NO” if someone makes them feel uncomfortable or tries to make them do things they know are wrong. Empower children by letting them know their bodies belong to them. There is no need to go into any further sexual or abuse details with young children.
Most sexual abuse occurs either within the extended family or by someone the child knows and trusts. It is very damaging to a child when this trust is broken. They need to know they have someone safe to go to for help and someone who will listen to them and believe them.
Cynthie’s text from the video
Hello, my name is Cynthie and today we’re going to do the “My Body Is My Body” Programme. We’re going to sing some songs, have some fun and learn about how to keep safe. You know, our bodies are very special and nobody has the right to hurt us, or touch our private parts or do anything that makes us feel uncomfortable because it is our special body.
We’re going to do the first song now - and I want you to sing along with me - it’s called My Body Is My Body
My Body Is my Body (Song Lyrics)
It’s my body, My body
And nobody has a right to hurt me
'Cos my body is my body for me
It’s my body, My body
And nobody has a right to touch me
'Cos my body is my body for me
I’ve got two hands to feel
And two eyes to see
And two ears to hear what you’re telling me
I’ve got two strong legs to take me where I go
And I’ve also got some private parts
That I don’t want to show
It’s my body, My body
And nobody has a right to hurt me
'Cos my body is my body for me
It’s my body, My body
And nobody has a right to touch me
'Cos my body is my body for me
I’ve got hair on my head
I want you to see
And a little belly button
In the middle of me
I’ve got a cute little nose
And ten little toes
And I‘ve got a mouth to tell you
What I want you to know
It’s my body, My body
And nobody has a right to hurt me
'Cos my body is my body for me
It’s my body, My body
And nobody has a right to touch me
'Cos my body is my body for me
Yes my body is my body for me
Please remember that the perpetrator is usually someone that the child loves or trusts, so the subject needs to be discussed very gently.
Do not get angry in front of the child, they need you to be calm and in charge. You could explain that just like a drug addict or an alcoholic, people that abuse children need help to get better so they will not hurt children anymore, which is why they need to tell.
Sing along with the My Body Is My Body Song, have fun, do all the movements and make this a positive experience. Create a non threatening environment where children can freely ask questions about this subject.
Keeping Secrets
Child abusers and sexual predators often count on the fact that a child will keep a secret and for this fact alone it is a good idea to have a “No Secrets” family rule. Instilling this into your children from a young age regarding day to day occurrences will make them feel more comfortable about not keeping unsafe secrets if someone is hurting them or touching them inappropriately.
Children need to know if abuse occurs that :
a) They are not to blame
b) They should not feel guilty
c) The person that has abused them needs to get help for their problem so that they will stop hurting children -
and that is why it is so important to tell !
d) It is important to tell so that the abuse can stop.
Please remember that the perpetrator is usually someone that the child loves or trusts, so the subject needs to be discussed very gently.
Do not get angry in front of the child, they need you to be calm and in charge. You could explain that just like a drug addict or an alcoholic, people that abuse children need help to get better so they will not hurt children anymore, which is why they need to tell.
Sing along with the My Body Is My Body Song, have fun, do all the movements and make this a positive experience. Create a non threatening environment where children can freely ask questions about this subject.
The Digital Age
With the digital age we also have to protect children from people who may want to take inappropriate photos. When talking to them about inappropriate touching, you should also mention that they may want to take a photo of their private parts (even if they don’t try to touch them ) and if someone tries to take a photo children must say NO!
If It Don't Feel Right - Don't Do it - Song 2
Cynthie's Text From The Video
We’re going to have fun with this next song, It has such a great rule to remember...
And the rule is - If it don’t feel right - don’t do it !!
Now I’m not talking about things like doing your homework, or tidying up your bedroom
I’m talking about if someone tries to get you to go somewhere with them and you know it’s not the right thing to do. If it don’t feel right - don’t do it !!
Or if someone tries to get you to do something that makes you feel uncomfortable.
If it don’t feel right - don’t do it !!
Tutorial on how to present the "If It Don’t Feel Right - Don’t Do It" Song
If It Don’t Feel Right - Don’t Do It - Song Lyrics
People can touch you and say that it’s cool
But remember your body belongs to you
You’re the one who knows if it don’t feel right
And if it don’t feel right
Don’t do it, Huh!!
No if it don’t feel right
Don’t do it, Huh!!
Don’t do it
Don’t do it
There are people out there
That think you’re a fool
And they try to give you drugs
And keep you out of school
Tell you to keep secrets
But you know what to do
Cause if it don’t feel right
Don’t do it, Huh!!
No if it don’t feel right
Don’t do it, Huh!!
Don’t do it
Don’t do it
People can hold you and tell you they care
I’m not telling you that it’s not good to share
But you will know inside if it don’t feel right
And if it don’t feel right
Don’t do it, Huh!!
No if it don’t feel right
Don’t do it, Huh!!
Don’t do it
Don’t do it
No if it don’t feel right
Don’t do it, Huh!!
Don’t do it
Don’t do it
No if it don’t feel right
Don’t do it, Huh!!
Song Objectives
1. To teach children to listen to their own feelings.
Most of the time children know when things do not feel right or when things make them feel uncomfortable so teach them this rule -
"If it don't feel right - don't do it !"
2. To talk about peer pressure
Talk to the children about all sorts of scenarios including peer pressure by their friends at school or at home - they may try to make them do things they know are not right. You can even include people that might try and get them to take drugs in this conversation. Standing up to peer pressure can be tough, but talk about it and explain how much stronger they will feel and how much self confidence they will build if they donʼt let themselves be pressured or bullied by other children into doing things they do not want to do.
"If it don't feel right - don't do it !"
3. To help children with body empowerment
Children need to know that their bodies are their own and that if things make them feel uncomfortable, they have the right to say No I don't want to do that.
This includes unwanted hugs and kissing as well as touching.
If it don't feel right - don't do it !"
Feelings :
Once you've opened up the discussion about feelings, you can talk about the feelings we all have. Happy, sad, angry, scared ... It is very important that children know that other people all over the world have the same kind of feelings and that they are not alone. See how many different types of feelings children can find. You can play a game showing happy faces, sad faces, angry faces, funny faces, or you can get them to draw faces on what they are feeling.
Once you've opened up the discussion about feelings, you can talk about the feelings we all have. Happy, sad, angry, scared ... It is very important that children know that other people all over the world have the same kind of feelings and that they are not alone. See how many different types of feelings children can find. You can play a game showing happy faces, sad faces, angry faces, funny faces, or you can get them to draw faces on what they are feeling. (Download the children's Workbook and you will find activities to do with the children)
The "What If" Game - Song 3
Cynthie’s Text from the video
Now we are going to play the “What If Game” and in this song we are going to learn what to do if a stranger tries to get you to go with them, or if somebody tries to touch your private parts .
Do you know where your private parts are? They are where your underwear or pants cover. Nobody should be touching your private parts apart from when you are very young, Mommy or Daddy will have to wash you there, but you’ll soon learn to do that for yourself. Maybe if you are sick or sore, Mommy or Daddy or a Doctor might have to put some medicine there, but apart from that nobody should ever be touching your private parts.
We are also going to learn what to do if someone in our own home or family makes you feel uncomfortable or tries to hurt you. All you’ve got to do in this game is say “NO” so I want you to shout out nice and loud.....
The “What If” Game - Song Lyrics
We’re gonna play
The “What If” Game
There’s questions and answers for you
If you want to be a winner every time
This is what you’ve got to do
Say No !
Just say No !
What if, after school
A stranger tries to take you home
And they’re driving in a shiny new car
And they say “Hello ! You want a ride?”
Oh No, you’re a stranger
I won’t go for a ride in your car
Because my Mommy and Daddy told me
Never to go with someone I don’t know
I’d say No !!
Just say No !!
Now what if, you’re at home
And the babysitters looking after you
And they try to touch you under your clothes
What would you do?
You’d say No, babysitter
I don’t want you touching me there
Because those are my private parts
And my body don’t belong to you
I’d say No !!
Just say No !!
We are playing
The “What If” Game
There’s questions and answers for you If you want to be a winner every time This is what you’ve got to do
Say No !
Just say No !
Now what if, there’s someone
A friend or part of your family
And they touch you or hurt you
It makes you feel bad or uncomfortable What would you say?
You'd say NO !
Please don’t do that
I don’t like you touching me that way And though I really like you
Please don’t do that to me
Because I’m just little you see
I’d say No!
Just say No!
Say No!
Song Objectives
The 'What If' game can be applied to any situation that you may suspect is happening to a child. Use the game to give answers to difficult situations that children may not know how to get out of safely.
Examples.....
1. 'What If' someone knocks on the door and you are alone at home? What would you do?
a) Never open the door
b) Call a neighbour or relative if they won't go away
c) Call the police if you can't get any help and you are scared.
2. 'What If' a babysitter tries to touch your private parts.
a) Tell them NO then go and tell someone
b) Don’t keep it a secret even if they ask you to
Explaining Strangers to children
If you ask a group of children what a Stranger is - you may get 20 different answers such as:
a) A stranger is a bad person
b) Someone that will hurt you
c) Someone that gives you sweets
Children have many misconceptions as to what "Strangers" are.
We teach our children: “Don't talk to strangers"
"Don't get in a car with a stranger"
"Don't take sweets from a stranger"
But....we often forget to tell them what a stranger is.
So firstly we need to teach children What Is A Stranger ?
A Stranger is someone we don't know !
A Stranger can be
A Man or a Lady, someone old or young
Someone of any colour or social group
Not all strangers are bad people, and if someone that you love or trust introduces you to a stranger - that stranger can become a friend, BUT....unless someone you love and trust introduces you to a stranger you should never talk to them on your own.
In this digital age where information about children and their parents is readily available on the internet people can easily get to know the names of a child’s family members and may try and trick them into going with them. Tell them that even if the person knows a lot of things about them, if they don’t know them, they are a stranger and don’t go with them.
Give children examples of what lies some strangers may tell them for example:
a) Your Mummy asked me to pick you up from school as she is running late
b) I have lost my puppy, please could you come and help me look for it
c) I want to show you something really exciting, I promise I will bring you right back
Another rule is to never accept gifts from a stranger - no matter how nice the gift is.
Tell children that even if the person knows a lot of things about them, if they donʼt know them, they are a stranger and not to go with them.
Discuss People taking Photographs
With this current digital age , we also have to protect children from people that may want to take inappropriate photos of them.
Please explain to the children if someone wants to take photos of you or your private parts tell them NO!! and then go and tell somebody.
Safety Tips: These tips are to empower children - not scare them so please keep this positive.
• Do not talk to a stranger
• Do not take anything from a stranger
• Do not go anywhere with a stranger
• Do not get into a car with a stranger
• Do not approach a car if a stranger calls you over
• If a stranger tries to force you to go with them, yell and make as much noise as you can - shout NO !!!!
(when going through this safety tip with the children have some fun and get the children to shout as loud as they can) then go and tell a safe adult
• If someone tries to touch your private parts shout NO !! then go and tell a safe adult
• If someone tries to hurt you - shout NO !! then go and tell a safe adult
• If someone does something to make you feel uncomfortable - shout NO !! then go and tell a safe adult.
If You've Got A problem - Song 4
Cynthie’s text from the video
It is really important to tell somebody if someone is hurting you or touching your private parts, even if you feel scared or embarrassed you need to be very, very brave and tell someone.
There are so many people to tell, Moms, Dads, Grannies, Grandpas, Aunties, Uncles, Teachers, Cousins, Neighbours, parents of your friends, police, nurses and many more people around you.
Now if you tell and people don’t believe you, they might even tell you to keep it a secret - but then you go and tell someone else. If they don’t believe you - then you tell someone else and you keep on telling till someone listens to you. Don’t ever, ever give up!!
If You’ve Got A Problem - Song Lyrics
If You’ve Got A Problem
You don’t know what to do
Go and tell somebody
Till they listen to you
You’ve got to find someone
To tell your troubles to
If You’ve got a problem
Find someone who’ll listen to you
Talk to your Mom or Dad
Gran or Grandpa too
Your Aunt or your Uncle
or a teacher at school
You’ve got to keep on telling
Till someone listens to you.
If you’ve got a problem
Find someone to tell it too
If someone has hurt you
You don’t know what to do
Go and tell somebody
Till they listen to you
You’ve got to find someone
To tell your troubles to
If You’ve got a problem
Find someone who’ll listen to you
Talk to your neighbour
Your mentor at your school
Someone you know or trust
Sharing problems is a must
Just keep on telling
till someone listens to you
If you’ve got a problem
Find someone to tell it to
If you’ve got a problem
Keep telling till they listen to you
Written and Animated by Chrissy Sykes ©1989 Update 2017
Song Objectives
To reinforce the learning of telling someone if there is a problem and if that person doesn't listen keep telling till someone does listen.
Telling somebody about problems can be one of the hardest things to do for children as it might be difficult for them to try to explain what their problem is, and they may also be afraid how you might react.
When we talk to children about telling someone, we need to prepare them for what reactions to expect: (This would only be for the older children)
a) Grown ups may be offended, angry, shocked or scared
b) They may not believe the child
c) They may threaten the child not to tell anyone else
The main lesson to get through to the child is that if someone does not believe them or does nothing about the problem to tell somebody else and keep telling until someone listens to them.
Give children a list of all the people they could talk to if they have a problem for example:
Mom
Dad
Granny
Grandpa
Older Brother
Older Sister
Aunty
Uncle
Teacher
Principal or Head Master
Neighbour
Policeman
Mentor
Please add anyone else you feel that it is safe for the children to talk to.
Activities
1. Get the children to draw people that they would feel comfortable talking to if they had a problem.
2. Write down as many people that the children can think of to tell about their problems.
Feelings:
It is important that children know about how they might feel when telling about a problem - these points might help them:
a) You might feel embarrassed - but it is OK
b) You might find it hard to find the right words, but just explain the best way you can
c) Your heart might beat fast and your voice might shake
- but just take a deep breath and talk slowly
d) You might find it easier to tell a little at a time over a few days
e) You might find it easier to write down your problem and give it to someone
Tell them to find the best way that they feel comfortable to tell someone and to never give up till somebody listens and helps them
Love Is Gentle - Song 5
Cynthie’s text from the video
Let’s talk about love, it’s very important to be loved and people don’t show their love to you by hurting you or doing things that make you feel uncomfortable. People show that they love you by doing things with you like reading books, playing games, having fun, going for walks or maybe showing you how to ride your bicycle.
Love is all about sharing and caring for each other. Our parents and carers make sure we are looked after, they feed us, make sure we clean our teeth, and that we have clean clothes to wear and if we are sick they take us to the doctor. It’s very important that we are looked after well so we can grow up healthy, happy and strong.
Love Is Gentle - Song Lyrics
Love is gentle
Love is kind
Sing along and you will find
There’s so many nice things we can do
To show our love
Won’t you read me a story
Or let’s go out and play some ball
You could help me ride my bike
So I won’t fall
There are so many things
We can do together
There are so many ways
We can show we care
There are so many times we can tell each other I love you
If you’ve got some time to share
I’d like to share with you
Love is gentle
Love is kind
Sing along and you will find
It’s so nice to share these things with you
Song Objectives
To teach children that love is gentle and kind and is all about caring, sharing and trusting
Children come from many different types of families and backgrounds but the rules of love should all be the same.
Children should be loved gently
They should be cared for and looked after
Have enough food to eat
Have clean clothes
Someone to make sure their teeth are clean and they have been bathed
That their hair is brushed
Someone is there to help with problems
Someone to pay attention to them
Someone to read to them
Someone to make them happy when they are sad
It is a good idea to talk about this subject with all children. If they see one of their friends or classmates who is not being looked after, they will know to go and tell a teacher or parent, so that child can be helped.
You can learn so many things about children by just opening a safe avenue of communication, where the child feels they can talk to you about any problem no matter how small.
Activities
You might ask the children to draw a picture of something that they like to do with the people that they love. Talk to them about things that make them happy, things they like to do with family members.
Say No To Secrets - Song 6
Say "NO" To Secrets - Song Lyrics
I’m not gonna keep your secrets
We’re not gonna keep your secrets
I’m not gonna keep your secrets
We’re not gonna keep your secrets
If you try to hurt me
I’m gonna tell on you
Come on everyone
We’re gonna tell someone
If you try and do things I know are wrong
I’ll be strong
I’m gonna tell someone
I’m not gonna keep your secrets
We’re not gonna keep your secrets
I’m not gonna keep your secrets
We’re not gonna keep your secrets
If you try to bully me, I know that’s wrong
I’m gonna tell someone
We’re gonna tell someone
We say “No” to secrets, We say “No” to secrets,
We say “No” to secrets, We say “No” “No” “No” “No”
I’m not gonna keep your secrets
We’re not gonna keep your secrets
I’m not gonna keep your secrets
We’re not gonna keep your secrets
We say “No” to secrets
We say “No” to secrets
We say “No” to secrets
We say “No”
Song Objectives
To teach children NOT to keep SECRETS
Secret’s are a child abuser’s best friend...
The abuse flourishes in secrecy and allows the abuser to keep
control of the child.
This is why we need to teach children NOT to keep secrets. Teaching about good and bad secrets can be difficult to explain - so keep it simple
and have a “No Secret’s Rule” in your family.
Instead you can talk about surprises...
Surprises are about FUN !!
For Example - We will not tell Mommy or Daddy what we have got them for their birthday as it is a surprise!
This is a scenario where children are not having to keep it quiet for too long, and it has a positive outcome.
All too often well meaning Grandparents or Aunts and Uncles will say have some sweets but don’t tell Mom or Dad - it wil be our little secret...seems harmless enough, but it is showing children that it is OK to keep secrets.
Most people that sexually and physically abuse children have some sort of relationship with the child, with over 90% of these being either part of their family or part of a close circle of friends.
They could also be trusted people in your community. People who you know and feel happy to leave your child with. Pedophiles spend a lot of their time not only grooming children but grooming families as well.
The abuser will start testing the child with small secrets - this way they can see if that child will keep silent and they will also start to form a close bond with them. Once they feel comfortable that the child is under their control they will progress further with the abuse.
By having the “No Secrets Rule” rule takes this power away from the abuser!!
Try to get your family involved with the “No Secret’s Rule”
Activity
Get the children to write down a list of what would be a surprise and what would be a secret.
(some ideas to discuss)
THESE ARE SOME SECRETS PEOPLE MAY ASK YOU TO KEEP:
•if they are bullying you
•if they are saying mean things to you
•if they are hurting you
•if they are using social media to be mean or bully you
•if they are trying to get you to do things you know are wrong
•if they are trying to get you to lie to your parents or family
•if they are trying to touch your private parts
•if they are doing things that make you feel uncomfortable
Can you write down other ideas?
IT IS OK NOT TO TELL ABOUT A SURPRISE
•if it is someone’s birthday present
•if someone has a surprise party planned
•if someone special is coming to visit
•if you are making someone something
special for someone
•if you are going on a trip or holiday
Can you write down other ideas?
Here are some things that an abuser might say to a child:
a) People won’t listen to you.....
Tell the child - DON’T BELIEVE THEM
b) People will say it is your fault....
Tell the child - DON’T BELIEVE THEM
c) People won’t love you any more...
Tell the child - DON’T BELIEVE THEM
d) You are going to get into trouble....
Tell the child - DON’T BELIEVE THEM
e) I am going to hurt you if you tell....
Tell the child - DON’T BELIEVE THEM
f) I will hurt someone in your family....
Tell the child - DON’T BELIEVE THEM
Tell the child - ALWAYS TELL A SAFE ADULT
and keep telling till someone listens to you and helps you
Let’s make sure that children are not caught in the secretive web of abuse. SAY NO TO SECRETS !!
Thank you for helping us to create a Safer World For Children.
All songs written and animated by Chrissy Sykes ©
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