What is “Privacy”?

By Seep Arora in Blog, Mind

Literally defined, privacy is a state wherein one is not observed or disturbed by other people. However, there is much more to it than that. Privacy is a fundamental right necessary for autonomy and the preservation of human dignity. It helps us establish barriers and regulate boundaries to protect ourselves from unwelcome intrusion in our life, allowing us to decide who we are and how we wish to interact with the world. It enables us to limit who has access to our bodies, places, possessions, and our communications and information. Therefore, it proves beneficial and necessary to help children learn what it is all about. We urge you to have conversations with them about it or implement any of the following strategies that may assist you in accomplishing the same. 

• Don’t require affection: If your child does not want to offer someone a hug or kiss, they have the right to decline, and you might want to consider not allowing anybody, even adult family members, to breach this. We must first educate our children that their bodily limits are important and deserving of respect before we ask them to respect the physical boundaries of others.
• Emphasise respect for personal space: It’s crucial to educate kids to keep a safe distance between themselves and others, as being too close to people might make them feel uncomfortable. If your child is too young to comprehend the concept of length units, have him stand with his hands on his hips and ensure his elbows don’t touch anybody else. If your child is old enough to comprehend the idea, ask him to keep a two-foot distance from others.
• Teaching Body Privacy: Use anatomically accurate terms for genitals while teaching body privacy (this removes the impression that particular parts are shameful or can’t be discussed). You might consider making sure they understand that an adult – they trust – touching those parts is occasionally necessary. For example, when helping to clean or getting examined by a doctor. You may stress how such instances are over quickly and should not be kept secret. It is vital to teach them the difference between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ touch. 
• Modelling Privacy: Children pick up on their parents’ behaviours and shape theirs around them. Therefore, you could set an example of privacy for your kids. Before handling their belongings, going into their room, or entering a discussion your child is having with a friend, get their permission. This will assist them in learning how to respect others’ privacy.