Havering Council joins forces with NSPCC to safeguard local children from sexual abuse.

“Getting involved in the Talk PANTS campaign shows our commitment to safeguarding local children from the risks of sexual abuse. By equipping both parents and children with the knowledge they need, we hope that it will ensure they know what is appropriate and inappropriate behaviour from a very early age.”

Havering Council has joined forces with the children’s charity NSPCC to safeguard local children from sexual abuse.

The National Society for the Protection of Children’s Talk PANTS Week runs from 14 to 18 October and is encouraging the whole community to take part in its vital work to safeguard children.

Talk PANTS, which features a friendly dinosaur called Pantosaurus, helps children understand in an age-appropriate way, that their body belongs to them, they have the right to say ‘no’ and they can speak out if anything does not feel right. 

This week Pantosaurus visited Parsonage Farm Primary School in Rainham where it met children and teachers. Pupils took part in an hours’ lesson before Pantosaurus visited pupils in their class.

A series of workshops have already been rolled out to parents, carers and professionals across the borough to help them learn more about the campaign.

The PANTS acronym was created to give parents an easy way to approach the subject. It stands for:   

• Privates are private   
• Always remember your body belongs to you   
• ‘No’ means no   
• Talk about secrets that upset you   
• Speak up – someone can help  

Councillor Oscar Ford, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said:

“Getting involved in the Talk PANTS campaign shows our commitment to safeguarding local children from the risks of sexual abuse. By equipping both parents and children with the knowledge they need, we hope that it will ensure they know what is appropriate and inappropriate behaviour from a very early age.”

Deputy Headteacher Kayleigh Angus said:

“It can be a scary topic for parents to broach with their child. It can be overwhelming to know where to start, but every class has done a lesson appropriate to their age. We’ll be telling our parents about the campaign at our parents evening, where we can answer any questions about it.”

Hayley Garner, NSPCC Local Campaigns Manager for London and the South East, said:

“Thank you to everyone who is taking part and helping to keep the children of Havering safe. We’d love you all to take pictures of your Talk PANTS week and post to your organisation’s social media, using the hashtag #PanlondonTalkPANTS24. We look forward to seeing you.”

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