MSF guidelines: Parents to avoid bathing children of opposite genders who can do so by themselves

The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) has released new guidelines setting boundaries between parents and their children.

The guidelines were announced by Minister of State for Social and Family Development Sun Xueling at the Asian Family Conference on Nov. 7, 2024.

Formed by the MSF and non-profit organisation KidStart, the guidelines address aspects of parenting, such as showing affection and caring for a child's privacy, reported The Straits Times.

This follows a recent increase in the number of child abuse cases, as presented by an MSF report in September 2024.

Here are what some of the guidelines detail.

Do not force children to hug and kiss

One social worker told ST about the importance of drawing clear boundaries between parents and children, as the latter might feel distressed when the lines are blurred.

According to MSF, parents should not force their children to express physical affection to someone they are scared of or feel uncomfortable with, such as hugging or kissing them.

Respecting a child's right to decline the act encourages them to make decisions for themselves with regards to their personal boundaries.

Toilet etiquette

As for bathing practices, the guidelines state that it is improper for parents to bathe a child of the opposite gender, or to shower with them, if the child can do so independently.

Should the child require assistance, MSF recommends that a parent of the same gender help the child until their early primary school years.

Parents are encouraged to teach their children to shower on their own as soon as possible.

Avoid changing in front of children

In a similar vein, parents are discouraged from exposing their naked bodies to their children.

Such an act would be considered inappropriate, even if carried out unintentionally.

MSF further delineated that by the time the child reaches upper primary school or is going through puberty, parents and caregivers of the opposite gender should avoid changing in front of them.

Speaking to ST, the social worker added that the violations of such boundaries could end up normalising inappropriate behaviour and increase the risk of child abuse.

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