Comparison of Needs About Sexual Abuse Prevention Education Between Elementary School Students and Teachers

Purpose: This study was done to provide basic data for sexual abuse prevention programs for elementary school students by comparing stated needs of the students and teachers. Methods: The participants were 4th, 5th, and 6th grade elementary school students and elementary school teachers. Data from questionnaires completed by 1,372 students and 162 teachers were analyzed. Results: 1) The mean scores for felt need for sexual abuse prevention education was relatively high in both of the elementary school student and teacher groups but there was a significant difference between the two groups (t=15.28, p<.001). 2) In the elementary school students, there was a significant difference in the degree of need for sexual abuse prevention education according to father’s educational level (t=2.89, p=.004), experience of sexual education (t=3.11, p=.006), and recognition of the necessity of sexual abuse education (t=7.56, p<.001). 3) In the elementary school teachers, there was no significant difference in the degree of need for sexual abuse prevention education according to the participants’ socio-demographic and sexual abuse prevention education related characteristics. Conclusion: When planning educational programs on child sexual abuse prevention, needs of the elementary school students should be considered. Then, the educational program at school would be more effective.