Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Child Behavior (Expert Forum)
Innappropriate touching of genitals in the classroom.
Answered by
Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D. - Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, Family Therapy, Crisis Intervention
Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates
This forum is for questions and support regarding child behavior issues such: Child Discipline (behavior management), Normal Child Development, Parent-Child Communications, Social Development
Innappropriate touching of genitals in the classroom.
by kim, Sep 10, 1999 12:00AM
I am a second grade teacher at a private school. I have one child who is constantly touching his genitals during class time. I have tried to speak with him on the side and I explained to him that it is not classroom behavior. He knows he is touching himself, but keeps doing it. This behavior caught my attention when he never completed individual assignments. I would call out his name and momentarily he would get back to work. It was only a matter of seconds that he was touching himslef again. I then tried to use a cue with him, and I said everytime you forget, I will tap your desk. This cue is only known between the two of us. This also did not work. I have observed him in other situations like recess, latch key, and gym. The behavior is never present. Please give me any advice at all. I do not want this child to think that it is bad to touch himself, but I want him to understand that in the classroom is not at all an appropriate time. I also don't want to draw any more attention to it in the classroom. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D., Sep 11, 1999 12:00AM
, Sep 11, 1999 12:00AM
Dear Kim,
You're making a good and sensitive attempt to help this boy manage this behavior. It looks like he's OK when he's actively or socially engaged, but when 'left to his own thoughts' he touches his genital area.
I totally endorse the steps you've taken thus far. In addition, I'd speak with his parents about the matter and see if you and them can collaborate around this. I wonder if they've noticed this at home as well, particularly when he's quietly occupied with some pursuit (e.g., viewing television). The behavior isn't necessarily a cause for alarm, but might be a sign of some worry/anxiety.
If you have a school-based counselor or mental health clinician, or have a relationship between the school and a local clinic, with the parents' approval it might help to have a consult with that person.
You're making a good and sensitive attempt to help this boy manage this behavior. It looks like he's OK when he's actively or socially engaged, but when 'left to his own thoughts' he touches his genital area.
I totally endorse the steps you've taken thus far. In addition, I'd speak with his parents about the matter and see if you and them can collaborate around this. I wonder if they've noticed this at home as well, particularly when he's quietly occupied with some pursuit (e.g., viewing television). The behavior isn't necessarily a cause for alarm, but might be a sign of some worry/anxiety.
If you have a school-based counselor or mental health clinician, or have a relationship between the school and a local clinic, with the parents' approval it might help to have a consult with that person.
