Don't Stand to Close to... that child- Pedophiles and Proximity to Others.

There are social norms of how close we stand next to others, and visa versa. One way to spot a pedophile is they will violate these norms with children.

You might think this would be easy to spot- but with children, who are unfamiliar with these norms, and are sometimes moving all the time, it can go unnoticed.

There is a bubble around most people of approximately 18 inches that is consider "personal space." We only let those very closest to us in this area, and it is generally reserved for those we are dating/married/immediate family.

As we grow older, less and less people are "allowed" in this area. As we grow older we will feel more uncomfortable with allowing others in this area.

To the pedophile they can naturally enter this zone under the guise of natural friendship: it could start with a pat on the head; or leaning into the child who is standing next to them as them compliment them to their parents.

Obviously watch for the zone infraction; but combine this watchfulness with this question, "Would the invasion of personal space make yourself uncomfortable if you were in the child's position?"

In today's time, where everyone who works with children should know the rules of what is appropriate, if you see this type of space infraction be warned and on alert. There should be no difference between a child and adult in regards to the personal bubble of intimate space.

This warning is quite different for the previous post on this subject- if you are comparing the body language the two different personalities described in the two posts- they exist at two different ends of the continuum. What I have described here is the body language of the type of predator who places themselves in position(s) where they are working and interacting with children to further their sexual wants.

WARNING: Not every invasion of your child's personal space warrants an investigation, it should put you on guard. 99% of the people who work as teachers, religious leaders, scout leaders are doing so innocently and without hidden personal motives.◦

Don't Stand to Close to... that child- Pedophiles and Proximity to Others.