Inappropriate Touch Social Story

The Inappropriate Touch Social Story utilizes a gentle approach to teach children about respecting personal boundaries. Some young students attempt inappropriate touching due to curiosity, poor impulse control, or lack of social awareness. This research-backed narrative uses simple language and images to provide clear guidelines for appropriate touch. The story defines private body parts and explains they are not for touching others. Examples of permitted touches like hand-holding and high-fives are also shared.

Social stories outline social rules in a concrete manner children comprehend. For those prone to inappropriate behaviors, this story gives situational expectations and helpful alternatives. It reduces anxiety around peer interactions by detailing proper conduct. The story reassures children that with practice, they can learn to touch appropriately.

Teachers, counselors, and parents can utilize this story to shape perspectives on personal space and consent. It fosters self-regulation skills children need to curb impulsive behaviors. The social narrative format delivers direct guidance without shame or stigma. For children requiring extra support with social cues, this story teaches appropriate touch in an understandable, uplifting way. It helps set children up for success in relationships by giving them the knowledge and tools to interact safely and respectfully with others.

These books should be used over and over to reinforce the point so I would suggest either putting the pages into a display book or laminating and binding them.

Clipart images courtesy of Kari Bolt.