Israeli Educator Urges Parents and Schools to Prioritize Child Safety and Boundaries at School Year Start

As the new school year begins on September 1, Rabbi Dr. Lea Weizel calls on parents and educational staff to engage children in conversations about personal boundaries and safety. She emphasizes the importance of giving children the confidence to speak up if they feel uncomfortable and clarifies that the responsibility to prevent harm always lies with adults. While trusting educators and the school system, adults must also equip children with tools to recognize inappropriate situations and assure them they can always report concerns.

Weizel stresses teaching children that their bodies belong to them and that it is acceptable to say "no" or report discomfort, even if it involves a familiar person or authority figure. However, she underscores that children should not bear the burden of preventing abuse; this is the duty of parents, educators, and institutions. Schools should have clear, accessible reporting channels and age-appropriate discussions on prevention, identification, and response to abuse.

She advises that conversations about safety should be conducted sensitively and without fear or suspicion, using language that empowers children to identify and report troubling situations. Educators who are approached by children need not have immediate solutions but should listen attentively and refer to professional resources. Weizel concludes that fostering open dialogue about protection strengthens trust within educational environments and is a vital communal, ethical, and religious obligation.

On this September 1, alongside hopes for children’s success and growth, she adds a prayer for their safety and protection as they return to school. The article is authored by a member of the Takana Forum, an Israeli organization focused on child protection.