Public and private spaces
Tap to flip the cards.
A private place is a "shut door place"
This is where you can take your clothes off.
- In a private place you can look at and touch your private parts.
- Your bedroom or bathroom is a private place when the door is shut.
A public place is an "open door place"
This is where people can come and go.
- People wear their clothes in a public place.
- In a public place you do not look at or touch your private parts.
- Stores are one type of public place.
Here are some activities and worksheets about Public and Private:
Private versus Public
Private versus public website with parent info and social stories - ARC of Virginia chapter
Social Story - Privacy for Females
Social Story - Privacy for Males
Easy Read - Public and Private Places
Good touch and bad touch
Be the boss of your own body!
Say "no thank you" if you do not want to give someone a hug or a handshake.
Say No!
Get away fast if someone tries to touch you in a bad touch way.
Do not keep secrets that make you feel bad!
Tell someone you trust.
The Bathing Suit Rule
(from the Shield West Virginia Task Force https://www.shieldwv.com/)

Necessary touch is a kind of touch that might not feel good or easy but you may choose to do it for your own health.
- If a doctor asks to look at or touch a private body part, you may need help deciding if you should say yes. It is okay to ask someone you trust to help you decide.
- If a nurse asks to give you a shot, it may hurt a little, but you may still choose to do it for your health.
More on safe touch
Tap to flip the cards.
Use fist bumps
- Two people lightly tap their fists together to say "hi", "bye" or "we agree".
- Fist bumps share less germs than handshakes
- Elbow bumps share even less germs than fist bumps.
Use side hugs
- A side hug is a way to say you like someone.
- It is more polite than a full hug.
- Safe full hugs for very special people in your life. And ask their consent. "Is it okay if i give you a hug?"
When can you sit on a lap?
- Babies sit on laps. Some rules change as we grow up.
- Sitting on someone's lap is a way to get very close to them. It can be too close.
- It is more polite to sit next to someone than on top of them.