Enhancing child protection awareness among preschool children through applied theatre: A one-year intervention in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Background: Children's physical, emotional, and psychological development is negatively impacted by child abuse. Children in Sri Lanka are at risk due to a lack of age-appropriate, child-friendly protection educational instruction. Abuse impacts sustainable development of a country in addition to adversely affecting the well-being of people. For children to be safe and for a healthier, more resilient generation to be raised, they must be empowered through organized protective education. The main objectives of this research were to develop an engaging, age-appropriate pedagogical approach for child protection awareness. Method: Twenty pre-schools in the Kandy District's Pujapitiya division, Sri Lanka participated in the intervention. This intervention used puppet theatre and role-playing exercises to teach preschool children about how to identify good and bad touch, practice self-protection strategies, and learn reporting mechanisms. The three-month program was followed by two phases of evaluation to gauge information retention: one in November and December and one just after each session. After a puppet presentation, each session included interactive role-playing exercises and facilitated discussions. Qualitative observation procedures were employed in place of formal testing to evaluate the children's capacity for protective methods, behavioral responses, and emotional engagement. Results: Important ideas like good and bad touch, setting personal boundaries, and recognizing accountable adults were introduced through a puppet show and interactive role-play. The goal was to provide an interesting and developmentally appropriate method of teaching child protection. Conclusion: This study proves the efficacy of applied theatre as an experiential intervention for teaching children about good touch bad touch, practice self-protection strategies and reporting mechanisms. Future research must incorporate parent and teacher training to cement these protective measures in school and home environments. Moreover, the replication of the intervention to other settings will enable its applicability and effect in child protection.