Talk PANTS – keeping your child safe from sexual abuse
Talk PANTS helps children understand that their body belongs to them, and they should tell someone they trust if anything makes them feel upset or worried.
PANTS is a simple way to talk to your child about staying safe from sexual abuse. You have probably already talked to your child about things like crossing the road safely. Talking to them about staying safe from sexual abuse is just as easy with our PANTS rules and Pantosaurus song. To sing along with Pantosaurus, click here.
What are the PANTS rules?
Privates are private
Your underwear covers up your private parts and no one should ask to see or touch them. Sometimes a doctor, nurse or family members might have to. But they should always explain why, and ask you if it is OK first.
Always remember your body belongs to you
Your body belongs to you. No one should ever make you do things that make you feel embarrassed or uncomfortable. If someone asks to see or tries to touch you underneath your underwear say ‘NO’ – and tell someone you trust and like to speak to.
No means no
No means no and you always have the right to say ‘no’ – even to a family member or someone you love. You are in control of your body and the most important thing is how YOU feel. If you want to say ‘no’, it’s your choice.
Talk about secrets that upset you
There are good and bad secrets. Good secrets can be things like surprise parties or presents for other people. Bad secrets make you feel sad, worried or frightened. You should tell an adult you trust about a bad secret straight away.
Speak up, someone can help
Talk about stuff that makes you worried or upset. If you ever feel sad, anxious or frightened you should talk to an adult you trust. This does not have to be a family member. It can also be a teacher or a friend’s parent – or even Childline.
When’s the right time to talk PANTS?
You know your child better than anyone. And you will know when they are ready and how much detail to go into. Some parents found these moments helped them start the conversation:
- bathtime, applying cream or when getting your child dressed
- car journeys
- going swimming and saying that what is covered by swimwear is private
- during a TV show that features a sensitive storyline
- singing along to our PANTS song with Pantosaurus.
Talk PANTS with Amazon Alexa
Just say:
“Alexa open NSPCC”
“Alexa ask NSPCC to play the PANTS song”
“Alexa ask NSPCC to start the PANTS game”
Together for Childhood Plymouth
An area of Plymouth has been chosen to pilot a ground-breaking new partnership to bring Plymouth communities and agencies together in an effort to prevent child sexual abuse.
Together for Childhood aims to provide help and support for children, young people and their families at the earliest possible stage.
For more information about Together for Childhood Plymouth, click here.
If you are worried about the welfare of a child, or seeking advice on any concern at all, you can call the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000, email help@nspcc.org.uk, or visit nspcc.org.uk/neglect. If a child is in immediate danger, please call 999.
