Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Monday, December 22, 2014
SAFE and UNSAFE touch Guidelines
Modified from list given by Counselor, PTV school.
Forms of sex abuse-
Touch that feels uncomfortable or unwanted by child, watching sex
organs/ nudity or sex acts, talking about sexual topics- whether done by child,
to child, in front of child with or without participation or consent of child.
Remember that children cannot consent. These are usually imposed by an adult or
another much older child.
Children between 2- 6 years engage in ‘exploratory’ sexual
play. It is normal developmental milestone where children are trying to explore
and understand their surroundings, which includes sexual parts of self and
others. Children are found to watch themselves nude in mirror striking
different poses or touching themselves, even masturbating. In Nurseries,
daycares, or at home when unsupervised they may look at or touch private parts
of other children- This is not to be considered as sex abuse. Children are to
be gently distracted and their questions to be answered. They are to be
educated about not to look or touch other kids, and about limits of behavior.
These will be their first lessons in sex education. But if a child older than
7- 8 years is engaging in sexual behavior- this is definitely abnormal and
requires further investigation.
Other than that
1.
Children are to be told- nobody in the world,
including closest relatives are allowed to touch them or kiss them when child
does not want it or in a way that the child dislikes.
2.
No question of good- bad touch. All unwanted
touch should be resisted by child. Other than that parts of body covered by swimming costume are 'private' and no one is allowed to look or touch, or child is not allowed to look or touch of anyone else
3.
Child should be taught to express what makes
him/ her uncomfortable. You should support the child if you are with him/ her
rather than forcing him to kiss, shake hands, etc with uncle/ aunty/ others
4.
Inform the child that some persons may ask them
to keep ‘secrets’, and that in such case child should immediately inform
inspite of promising otherwise
5.
Question the motive of any person who shows
undue interest in the child showers him/ her with gifts, or if child fears
someone. Never keep ANY child alone with any person known to have such
tendencies
6.
Be alert about toys, gifts and other items you
cannot account for. Be sure to question their appearance
7.
Sometimes child molesters use lies to lure
children- such as asking for help, or reporting that their family members are
in trouble and they want to take them, etc. Explain to children never to
accompany any person, known or unknown without your permission. Clearly designate a trusted adult whom they
may approach if you are not available.
8.
Children showing sexual behaviors and knowledge,
injuries or fearfulness are indictors of abuse. Sometimes child may report the
abuse. Take immediate cognizance of the child’s report. Your trust and what you
do later to protect the child will determine the recovery of child
9.
Teach the child to recognize absolute ownership
of their body and mind, and that any unwanted overture is to be resisted immediately
and strongly.
10.
Girls and boys, young and adolescent all
children are at risk of abuse. Most abuse happens at the hands of known persons
who have easy access to the child. So never be too sure that nothing can ever
happen to a particular child. Precautions and watchfulness are essential in
every case. Educating the child to take care of himself/ herself is the best
strategy in this regard.
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Friday, December 12, 2014
Internet acronyms every parent should know
1.
IWSN- I Want Sex Now
2. GNOC- Get Naked On Camera
3. NIFOC- Naked In Front Of The Computer
4. PIR- Parent In Room
5. CU46- See You For Sex
6. 53X- Sex
7. 9- Parent Watchin
8. 99- Parent Gone
9. 1174- Party meeting Place
10. THOT- That Hoe over there
11. CID- Acid- drug
12. Broken- Hungover from alcohol
13. 13. 420- Marijuana
14. POS- Parent over shoulder
15. SUGARPIC- Suggestive or erotic photo
16. KOL- Kiss on lips
17. (L)MIRL- Lets meet in real life
18. PRON- Porn
19. TDTM- Talk dirty to me
20. 8- Oral sex
21. CD9- Parents around/ code 9
22. IPN- I’m posting naked
23. LHS- Lets have sex
24. DOC- Drug of choice
25. TWD- Texting while driving
26. GYPO- Get your pants off
27. KPC- Keep parents clueless
28. WTTP?- Want to trade pictures?
Saturday, December 6, 2014
HOW COMMON ARE MENTAL DISORDERS?
In a nutshell- Psychiatric disorders are NOT COMMON.
Altogether less than 50% of any population will suffer a Psychiatric disorder in their lifetime.
Psychiatric disorders also have a tendency to cluster together- so a person with one disorder is likely to have another. Mental illnesses are also linked with physical disorders- ranging from cancers to diabetes to arthritis to skin disorders. So the rates of mental illnesses do vary from population to population. Psychiatrists love to say 'anyone' can suffer just because they want to please the crowd. But the truth is populations with health indicators and social indicators have higher rates of psychiatric disorders. One study found that the difference can be as much as 50%- that is the rate of psychiatric disorders in a population with poor indicators exceeded one with good indicators by 50%. In developed countries better access to nutrition and ante natal health care has resulted in decreased schizophrenia and social stability decreases substance use, anxiety and depression. However rates of autism have increased- so thats the gap which needs to be addressed. Better community facilities like availability of nutritious food, clean water, places for play and exercise, recreation (parks and playgrounds) and secure feeling can reduce mental illness.
Serious psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia, bipolar disorders amount to about 2-5% of the population while common mental disorders amount to about 20-25%. Depression is by far the common mental disorder among adults. In children, hyperkinetic disorder is the commonest diagnosis (at least in clinics).
Altogether less than 50% of any population will suffer a Psychiatric disorder in their lifetime.
Psychiatric disorders also have a tendency to cluster together- so a person with one disorder is likely to have another. Mental illnesses are also linked with physical disorders- ranging from cancers to diabetes to arthritis to skin disorders. So the rates of mental illnesses do vary from population to population. Psychiatrists love to say 'anyone' can suffer just because they want to please the crowd. But the truth is populations with health indicators and social indicators have higher rates of psychiatric disorders. One study found that the difference can be as much as 50%- that is the rate of psychiatric disorders in a population with poor indicators exceeded one with good indicators by 50%. In developed countries better access to nutrition and ante natal health care has resulted in decreased schizophrenia and social stability decreases substance use, anxiety and depression. However rates of autism have increased- so thats the gap which needs to be addressed. Better community facilities like availability of nutritious food, clean water, places for play and exercise, recreation (parks and playgrounds) and secure feeling can reduce mental illness.
Serious psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia, bipolar disorders amount to about 2-5% of the population while common mental disorders amount to about 20-25%. Depression is by far the common mental disorder among adults. In children, hyperkinetic disorder is the commonest diagnosis (at least in clinics).
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Saturday, November 15, 2014
"NATURE" covers depression
I am very thankful to Prof Chaterjee for informing me about this issue of 'NATURE' magazine. It has covered in detail different aspects of depression- stigma, treatments, research advancements, everything.
A must read for every person with depression, family member, policy-maker and every mental health professional.
Link is as follows:
http://www.nature.com/news/depression-1.16305
A must read for every person with depression, family member, policy-maker and every mental health professional.
Link is as follows:
http://www.nature.com/news/depression-1.16305
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