What Is Talk PANTS?
Talk PANTS is a campaign designed to help children understand that their bodies belong to them and that they have the right to say “no” to anything that makes them feel uncomfortable. The campaign is built around a simple but powerful set of guidelines known as the PANTS Rules, which are designed to help children recognise and respond to inappropriate behaviour. This article will explore the importance of the Talk PANTS initiative, the PANTS rules themselves, and how early years practitioners can support parents in having these sensitive but essential conversations.
The Importance Of Talk PANTS
Sexual abuse is a difficult and uncomfortable topic, but it is a reality that we must address to protect children. The Talk PANTS campaign provides a framework for discussing this sensitive subject in a way that is age-appropriate and non-threatening. By engaging in these conversations early, we can help children understand their rights and give them the confidence to speak out if something doesn’t feel right.
The success of Talk PANTS lies in its simplicity. Developed with input from children, parents, carers, and teachers, the campaign focuses on clear, straightforward messages that are easy for young children to understand. It avoids using complex or frightening language and instead, provides practical, reassuring advice that helps children feel safe and secure.
The PANTS Rules Explained
The PANTS rules are the cornerstone of the Talk PANTS campaign. Each letter in “PANTS” stands for a key message that helps children understand what is and isn’t appropriate behaviour:
Privates are private
Your underwear covers up your private parts, and no one should ask to see or touch them. There may be exceptions, such as a doctor or nurse, but they should always explain why they need to and ask for your permission first. Remember, what’s in your pants belongs only to you.
Always remember your body belongs to you
Your body is yours, and no one should make you do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or embarrassed. If someone asks to see or tries to touch you under your underwear, say “NO” and tell someone you trust.
No means No
You have the right to say “no” to anything that makes you feel uncomfortable, even if it’s a family member or someone you love. You are in control of your body, and your feelings matter most.
Talk about secrets that upset you
There are good secrets, like surprise parties, and bad secrets that make you feel sad, worried, or scared. If someone tells you to keep a bad secret, you should talk to a safe adult who you trust.
Speak up, someone can help
If you ever feel sad, anxious, or frightened, it’s important to talk to someone. Whether it’s a parent, teacher, or another trusted adult, someone will listen and help you.
When Is The Right Time To Talk PANTS?
One of the questions that early years practitioners often hear from parents is, “When is the right time to talk PANTS?” The answer is that there isn’t a single “right” time – these conversations can happen whenever it feels natural for the family. The important thing is to make these discussions a normal part of everyday life.
Here are some examples of when parents might naturally introduce the PANTS conversation:
- After school: If a child has had a lesson on personal relationships or Talk PANTS at school, it’s a great opportunity to ask them what they remember and to reinforce those messages at home.
- Bathtime: While running a bath or helping a child get dressed, parents can start a conversation about privacy and body boundaries.
- Car journeys: With no distractions, car rides can be an ideal time for deeper conversations, where a child can ask questions and parents can respond calmly.
- Reading together: The NSPCC has a new PANTS storybook that can be read together, making the conversation feel more natural and less intimidating.
- Singing: The Pantosaurus song is a fun and engaging way to introduce the PANTS rules, and children often enjoy singing along.
- Swimming: A conversation about what swimwear covers can naturally lead to a discussion about private parts and privacy.
- Walking: Casual walks provide a relaxed environment where sensitive topics can be discussed more openly.
- Watching TV: If a show features a storyline that touches on personal safety, it can be an opportunity to talk about what makes the child feel safe or uncomfortable.
Addressing Parents’ Concerns
Understandably, parents may have concerns about discussing such a sensitive topic with their children. They might worry about scaring their child or not knowing how to respond if their child says something concerning. The good news is that the Talk PANTS campaign is designed to address these very concerns and we’ve selected some of the more frequently asked questions from the NSPCC website:
Won’t Talking To My Child About This Topic Scare Them?
Talk PANTS aim is to empower children, not to scare them. The guidelines and resources provided are child-friendly and focus on practical, reassuring advice. They avoid mentioning sex or using scary language, instead focusing on what is and isn’t OK in a way that children can understand.
What If My Child Says Something That Worries Me?
If a child reveals something troubling after a Talk PANTS conversation, it’s crucial to remain calm and supportive. Parents should listen carefully, reassure the child that they did the right thing by speaking up, and let them know that it’s not their fault. It’s also important to explain what steps will be taken next to ensure the child feels safe and supported.
To learn more, visit www.nspcc.org.uk/whattodo
Supporting Parents In The Early Years Setting
As early years practitioners, we play a key role in supporting parents to have these conversations. By introducing Talk PANTS in our settings, we can help to normalise these discussions and provide parents with the tools and confidence they need to talk to their children about personal safety.
Encouraging parents to use the resources available, such as the PANTS storybook and Pantosaurus song, can make the conversation more accessible and less daunting. We can also reassure parents that it’s okay to start small and that the goal is to have ongoing, open conversations rather than a single, one-time discussion.
The Talk PANTS campaign helps protect children from sexual abuse by teaching them the PANTS rules, which help children understand their rights, recognise inappropriate behaviour, and feel confident speaking out. Early years practitioners play a crucial role in supporting parents in these conversations, ensuring children feel safe and secure. Together, we can make a significant impact on children’s lives.
