A national campaign to help keep young children safe from sexual abuse has been launched by the NSPCC with the release of a new mobile phone game and the screening of a prime-time TV ad.
Central to the campaign is the return of Pantosaurus the dinosaur, who will once again be promoting the PANTS rule:
Privates are private,
Always remember your body belongs to you,
No means no,
Talk about secrets that upset you and
Speak up – someone can help.
Playtime with Pantosaurus is available on iOS and Android devices as a free download and features four fun mini games where players test their skills against Pantosaurus and his friends whilst learning the PANTS rule to keep themselves safe.
Children can select from three characters that each challenge Pantosaurus on the basketball court or in the diving pool to earn points and win prizes.
Each of the characters is customisable with their own outfits and styles, with further accessories and outfits available to unlock as children progress through the game.
In between each level children are quizzed on the PANTS rule to help reinforce their understanding of how to stay safe from sexual abuse.
Supporting the launch of the game is a new national TV advert aimed at parents titled ‘There’s something you need to tell me’ which explains that talking PANTS is "easy, not scary, but it is important".
Research by the NSPCC has revealed that as many as one in every 20 school children will suffer some form of sexual abuse.
The importance of the Talk PANTS campaign has been further reinforced by a YouGov survey, commissioned by the NSPCC, which showed that 92 per cent of parents of children aged four to eight think that it is important to speak to their sons or daughters about sexual abuse.
Directing children to the PANTS game or downloading the PANTS activity pack from the NSPCC website will help make it easier and more natural for parents to have what some find to be difficult and sensitive conversations about staying safe.
About the NSPCC
The NSPCC is the leading children’s charity fighting to end child abuse in the UK and Channel Islands. Their Childline service provides a safe, confidential place for children with no one else to turn to, whatever their worry, whenever they need help. Children can contact Childline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 0800 1111 or by visiting www.childline.org.uk
Adults can get advice and support, share their concerns about a child or get general information about child protection by contacting the helpline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 0808 800 5000.
Talk PANTS to keep children safe
Pantosaurus is here to help parents and children talk PANTS and stay safe. Watch his roar-some film at nspcc.org.uk/pants