Expressing love and affection toward children is widely regarded as natural and socially acceptable. However, certain behaviours—such as pulling or pinching a child’s cheeks, kissing them, or placing them on one’s lap—though often intended as gestures of care, may not always be safe or comfortable for every child in every context.
When such actions fail to consider a child’s age, emotional readiness, personal boundaries, or consent, they can unintentionally affect a child’s physical and psychological well-being.
Insensitive expressions of affection can violate a child’s personal boundaries, particularly before they develop an understanding that their body is theirs.
Forced or unsolicited physical contact may weaken a child’s ability to say “no” and blur the concept of bodily autonomy. For many children, unwanted touch can also lead to emotional discomfort, fear, shame, or distress, which may later undermine their confidence and social behaviour.
When non-consensual physical contact is repeatedly treated as usual, children may struggle to distinguish between safe and unsafe behaviour.
This normalisation of boundary violations sends confusing signals and increases vulnerability, especially from a child-protection perspective.
Physical health concerns also arise, as close contact, such as kissing a child on the cheeks or lips, can increase the risk of germ transmission, particularly among young children with developing immune systems.
There is also an inherent power imbalance between adults and children. When physical contact is imposed through authority, children may learn that they must accept whatever adults do, regardless of discomfort.
This conveys a dangerous and misleading message that discourages children from speaking up or setting boundaries.
The risks are even greater for children with special needs, who may find it more difficult to understand, communicate, or enforce personal boundaries, thereby increasing their exposure to harm.
In Bangladesh, the Children Act, 2013, serves as the principal legal framework to safeguard children’s rights, protection, and safety. The law includes punitive provisions against abuse, exploitation, neglect, and inappropriate conduct toward children, reinforcing the importance of respectful and responsible behaviour in all interactions involving children.
Ensuring children’s safety must remain central to how affection is expressed. Non-intrusive alternatives—such as speaking kindly, offering encouragement, showing appreciation, or simply waving hello—can convey warmth without crossing personal boundaries.
Adhering to child-protection principles within families, schools, and communities is essential for creating safe environments where children feel respected and secure.
No matter how positive the intention behind expressing affection toward children, actions that disregard a child’s consent, comfort, and boundaries can unintentionally cause harm.
Therefore, it is the collective responsibility of families, educational institutions, and society at large to recognise children’s rights over their bodies and emotions and to practise sensitive, respectful, and responsible expressions of care.
Building a truly child-friendly and safe environment requires awareness, respect-based relationships, and the practical implementation of child-protection policies as a sustainable solution.
Author: Mahabub Kawsar
Youth Development Worker
