Programme on Human Anatomy and Respect for Members of the Opposite Sex for Kindergartens

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Acting Minister for Education (Schools) whether the Ministry will require all kindergartens to run a programme to (i) help students identify what are private body parts and why they should not touch each other inappropriately and (ii) educate them as to whom they should report the matter to when they are inappropriately touched.

Mr Ng Chee Meng: Some pre-schools plan activities and make use of everyday teachable moments to help children learn about body safety, including programmes in partnership with community partners. The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) is also exploring how pre-schools can be further supported to teach body-safety skills in an age-appropriate manner to children.

The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) and ECDA also have in place a reporting and support system to guide pre-school teachers who have concerns over a child’s safety or suspect child abuse. Pre-school teachers can approach ECDA or MSF for advice on appropriate actions to take.

In addition, the Ministry of Education’s Nurturing Early Learners (NEL) Framework includes guidelines for pre-school teachers to help their children develop a positive self-concept and to learn values and socially acceptable behaviours. The NEL Framework covers topics on general safety, and how to help children to talk about their feelings and seek help from adults, including their teachers and parents, when they feel hurt or unsafe.