NSPCC - Pantosaurus

Let's talk PANTS with Pantosaurus! | NSPCC

The NSPCC PANTS campaign is a child safety program designed to teach children about personal safety and boundaries in a simple and age-appropriate way. The PANTS acronym is used to help children understand their right to privacy and to protect themselves from inappropriate contact or abuse. The campaign encourages parents, carers, and educators to have open and honest conversations with children about their bodies and how to stay safe.

PANTS Acronym Breakdown:

1. P – Privates are private
   Teach children that their private parts (the parts covered by their underwear or swimwear) are their own and should not be touched by others. They should understand that their body belongs to them.
2. A – Always remember your body belongs to you
   Reinforce the idea that they have the right to say "no" if someone tries to touch them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable, and that they should never be made to feel ashamed about setting boundaries.
3. N – No means no
   Help children understand that they can say "no" if anyone tries to touch them or behave in a way that makes them feel unsafe. This helps to empower them to assert their personal boundaries.
4. T – Talk about secrets that upset you
   Encourage children to talk to a trusted adult if someone tells them to keep a secret that makes them feel uncomfortable or scared. Children should be aware that it's okay to tell someone about things that upset them, and it’s not their fault.
5. S – Speak up, someone can help
   Remind children that if something ever happens that worries or confuses them, they should speak up and tell a trusted adult. This reinforces the idea that they are never alone and there are always people who care and can help.

Key Benefits of the PANTS Campaign:

• Age-appropriate: The PANTS message is simple and tailored to be understandable for young children, starting as early as age 3.
• Empowering children: It gives children the language and confidence to speak up about abuse or uncomfortable situations.
• Starting early: The earlier children learn about body safety, the better equipped they are to recognize inappropriate behaviour and protect themselves.
• Inclusive: The message is designed for all children, regardless of their background, so they understand their rights to privacy and safety.

Supporting Materials:

The NSPCC offers resources for parents and educators, including:

• PANTS-themed books and videos that can help introduce the topic to children in a gentle, non-scary way.
• Parent guides and tip sheets on how to talk to children about body safety and abuse prevention.

By teaching children the PANTS rules, they are better equipped to understand when something is wrong and to seek help, creating a foundation for a lifetime of understanding personal boundaries and safety.