Parents and carers on the Isle of Wight are being urged to talk to their children about how to stay safe from sexual abuse.
Police figures reveal there were 2,634 recorded sexual offences against children under 18 in the Hampshire Constabulary region in 2016/2017.
The figures, gathered by the NSPCC through a Freedom of Information request, come as the charity relaunches their Talk PANTS campaign this half term.
Talk PANTS helps parents with children aged 8 and under to have the vital conversation about staying safe from sexual abuse, by teaching them important messages such as their privates are private.
Research conducted by the NSPCC found many parents were worried that talking to their young children about sexual abuse would be scary and confusing for them. To combat the issue the NSPCC has created a catchy song and activity pack – with cartoon dinosaur Pantosaurus – which don’t mention the words sex or abuse so it is easier for parents to tackle the sensitive subject.
The charity has also produced a fun video which shows other young children using the PANTS activities…
Emma Motherwell, NSPCC Local Campaigns Manager for London and South East, said:
“We know that lots of parents have already used Talk PANTS to speak to their children about the dangers they may face from sexual abuse as they grow up, both in the online and offline world.
Article continues below this advertisement “However, the figures we have revealed today show that we all need to do more to help young children learn how to stay safe from sexual abuse, these conversations should be as normal as teaching them to cross the road.”
Parents and children can sing along with Pantosaurus, who explains each letter of PANTS. The acronym provides a simple but valuable rule that keeps children safe: that their body belongs to them, they have a right to say no, and that they should tell an adult they trust if they’re worried or upset.
The charity also encourages parents to order a PANTS activity pack ahead of half term from their online shop. The pack contains word searches, games, stickers and a bookmark for a suggested donation of £5.
