NSPCC launches 'PANTS' campaign in Omagh

by Gráinne Connolly

A year long campaign to help professionals, parents and carers from the Western Trust area keep children safe from sexual abuse was launched in Omagh today. 

The campaign provides resources and support to help people from all walks of life to teach children how to stay safe from abuse and who to talk to if they're upset or worried. 

Since 1012, the NSPCC's "Underwear Rule" campaign; also known as the PANTS campaign has been supporting and encouraging parents to talk to children aged between 4 and 11 about staying safe from sexual abuse. 

The PANTS tools and resources give adults clear and simple ways to open these conversations in a clear and child friendly way.

They key messages for children are: 

P – Privates are privates.

A – Always remember your body belongs to you.

N – No means no.

T – Talk about secrets that upset you.

S – Speak up, someone can help.

Q Radio spoke to Margaret Gallagher, NSPCC Northern Ireland's Local Campaigns Manager who's on the panel of speakers at the launch. 

She said: 

"This is an incredibly exciting project. 

"With the support of the Public Health Agency and the Health Improvement Department we can reach families and professionals, offering them our support and knowledge. 

"Traditionally, adults have always taught children about healthy eating and road safety but conversations about staying safe from abuse are just as vital. 

"The PANTS resources offer a reassuring framework for approaching what needn't be a difficult subject." 

"In Northern Ireland in 2015/16, there were 1,809 recorded sex offences against children under 18 and this is an increase of 19% on the previous year so it is imperative that we talk to children at a young age to help keep them safe."

There are many ways that parents can educate their children on the PANTS campaign with the help of the NSPCC. 

Below is an animated video created to educate in a child friendly way:

There's also more learning resources about the "Underwear Rule" linked below: 

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/underwear-rule/underwear-rule-schools-teaching-resources/