‘The Protective Rhymes' Playlist Educates Parents and Children About Child Sexual Abuse

Research shows that one in nine children in the region experience some form of bodily sexual abuse at the hands of adults – with perpetrators being strangers as well as relatives, teachers, coaches, and friends of parents. Research, speaking to parents, has also shown that 86% of parents don’t know how to educate their kids about safety from child sexual abuse. This includes the most educated ones. They get flabbergasted when asked. So, they haven’t had that conversation because they don’t know how to do so, out of fear of sharing more than what’s needed with their children.

So, Anghami, with Leo Burnett Dubai and Publicis Groupe, has used a format that entertains children as a tool and a means to provide tangible support to parents to teach their own children how to protect themselves, regarding their body safety, in an age-appropriate manner. 

Introducing The Protective Rhymes

Five different songs have been created in consultation with psychologists and parents, and by referring to as well as adapting other songs usually used for children’s safety. This idea, inspired by a regional problem, is global in its implication and is unique for a brand addressing the topic of child sexual abuse.

Each rhyme is based on an insight and tackles different areas of awareness and education.

The rhymes are also sequential, and through a step-by-step process they are designed for parents to equip children with all the information they need. The rhymes are short, focused on one single point for them to remember. And they are designed using popular melodic techniques that work similar to the popular catchy children’s songs, to drive memorability. Initial tests with children have proven effective in making an impact on educating them.

Song 1: My body belongs to me

Teaching them about body parts and body boundaries, helping them understand their body belongs to them and no one should see or touch their body. Making kids aware of what is their own.

Song 2: Your body belongs to you

Teaching children about body parts and body boundaries with others, helping them understand others’ body belongs to them and that it is not okay for them to see or touch someone else’s private body parts. that are pri. Making kids aware of what is not okay for them to do (when asked or invited).

Song 3: We keep no secrets

Sometimes those who prime children for child abuse, ask the children to keep their conversations and ‘experiments’ a secret and to not tell mom or dad. How can we tell kids that secrets that make them sad are not good? How can we get children to report such requests from ‘other grown-ups’ to mom or dad?

Song 4: Yell No!

If they find themselves in a bad situation, what should they do? We need to teach them what to do if they find themselves in a situation that isn’t right, Where they have identified something is wrong and the steps they can take when they don’t feel safe.

Song 5: Good touch. Bad touch

Once they know what their private parts are and about body boundaries, we must also ensure that they don’t get paranoid about every single person who touches them. They get confused between what is a bad or a good touch. So, to teach them how to identify the good touch vs bad touch in different situations, the ‘okay/not okay’ rhyme scheme works effectively with this song.

The songs are available on Anghami as a playlist titled, 'The Protective Rhymes'. The team will also be launching films and engagements on ground to help propagate education about protection from sexual abuse using these songs.