Sexual Education Knowledge for Early Childhood

Nowadays, the case of child sexual abuse (CSA) is increasing. Parents need to prevent the occurrence of sexual assaults. This can be started by educating their child about sex through daily communication, for example, by teaching children about their personal body areas and how to protect them. Books can be a good source for parents and children to improve their knowledge. This study assessed the differences between parents' knowledge on CSA prevention before and after reading a book of such nature. This research also investigated children's knowledge of CSA after being read by parents and teachers for 1 month (30 days) with 10 minutes per day of reading time. Mixed methods were used in this study to answer the research questions. Pre-test and post-test questionnaire and monitoring forms were given to 64 parents. They are from two Early Childhood Education, religious based program (Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini-PAUD). Three parents and two teachers were interviewed and 30 students from TK B (60-72 months old) were observed. The result showed that there was no knowledge differences of parents before and after reading the book to children (r = 0.70; Sign = 0.535). This, presumably, because parents have previous basic knowledge of sexual abuse prevention in regard to which part of the body should be covered or not, can be touched or not, who may touch the body and for what purpose, and what to do in case sexual assault occurred. From the interviews, the parents realized the book was an important learning media and did provide them with new knowledge regarding the prevention of sexual assault. Based on observation of the children and the interview with the teachers, the book gave important knowledge to children on how to prevent CSA.