Introduction: Turning “Taboo” into “Talk-About”
Let’s face it: talking to kids about their bodies, privacy, and safety can feel awkward. Many parents shy away from “the talk,” hoping schools or the internet will fill the gap. But what if silence is the real risk?
A recent parenting workshop titled “Sexual Education and Child-Friendly Communities: Building a Safe Environment Together” aimed to shatter this stigma. Held on Saturday, 6 December 2025, at Wisma Pojok Indah, the event that was made possible by a collaboration with Rotary Club of Jogja Merapi, brought together 21 parents and guardians to learn, share, and transform anxiety into actionable knowledge.
Mrs. Annie Wijaya, President of the Rotary Club of Jogja Merapi, warmly welcomed the participants. She emphasized that Women and Children are one of the seven areas of focus in the humanitarian work carried out by Rotary Clubs. Therefore, the Rotary Club of Jogja Merapi fully supports this event. She expressed her hope that the participants would gain the greatest possible benefit from this workshop.
Why This Workshop Matters: Safety Starts at Home
The workshop opened with a keynote speech by Sammy Ladh, the founder and director of the Rumah Impian Indonesia Foundation. Sammy presented the results of the latest survey conducted by Rumah Impian with the parents they assist, which showed that parents’ awareness of protecting their children from violence has increased. Although the survey results indicate that there are still challenges to overcome, this progress is something to be grateful for.
Child sexual abuse is a global nightmare. Often, the first line of defense isn’t a law or a system—it’s an informed, confident parent. This workshop, led by child psychologist Dr. Agnes Indar Etikawati, M.Si., Psikolog, started with a powerful reframe: Sexual education is not about sex. It’s about self-respect, body autonomy, and healthy boundaries.
The goal was clear:
- Help parents understand why early education is crucial.
- Give them practical tools tailored to their child’s age.
- Build homes where open communication is the norm.
From Toddlers to Teens: A Practical Roadmap for Parents
Dr. Agnes didn’t just talk theory—she gave a step-by-step guide:
- Ages 1–5: Start simple. Name body parts correctly. Teach “private areas” and the concept of polite “shyness.” Parents of the same gender can lead this gently.
- Elementary School (Up to 9): Discuss gender differences, digital safety, and the “No, Go, Tell” rule for uncomfortable situations. Define acceptable and unacceptable touch.
- Ages 10–12 (Pre-Teens): Calmly explain puberty using scientific terms. Introduce basic reproduction concepts before the physical changes create confusion.
- Ages 13+: Navigate healthy friendships and romantic relationships. Discuss clear consent, risks of early pregnancy, and STIs. The focus is on mutual respect and communication.
The Heart of the Event: Real Questions, Honest Answers
The most powerful moments came from the parents themselves. In interactive sessions, they asked tough, everyday questions:
- “My child is addicted to pornographic content. What do I do?”
- “How can I support a child recovering from abuse?”
- “How do I connect with a child exploring a different gender identity?”
Dr. Agnes emphasized creating safety first. “Make your child comfortable with you,” she advised, “then the knowledge will be absorbed.” She recommended using tools like dolls, storybooks, and most importantly, a listening ear.
Did It Work? What the Data Shows
Participants took knowledge tests before and after the workshop. While the statistical analysis showed no dramatic numerical leap, a positive shift occurred:
- Parents with “Good Knowledge” increased from 61.90% to 66.67%.
- Those with “Low Knowledge” decreased from 19.05% to 14.29%.
The real success wasn’t just in scores. It was in the visible relief and growing confidence among parents as they realized they weren’t alone in their struggles.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
The workshop revealed two major insights:
- Moms Lead the Charge: 76% of attendees were mothers, highlighting a need to engage more fathers in caregiving and protection roles.
- Community is Key: Most participants came from specific local areas (Tlukan and CCC), showing the power of localized support networks.
Recommendations for the Future:
- Create special sessions to encourage father participation.
- Use more role-playing and interactive media in workshops.
- Provide follow-up mentoring for parents who need extra support.
- Collaborate with local communities to widen the reach and create lasting change.
Conclusion: The Conversation Continues
This workshop did more than share information—it built a community of courage. It proved that when parents are equipped with the right words and methods, they can be the strongest shield for their children.
The dream of a truly safe world for our kids begins with a single, brave conversation at home. And now, more parents have the tools to start it.