By Peter Diamond, Orkney Islands Council Head of Education on behalf of Orkney Public Protection Committee

From a very young age, we talk to our children about topics that make them aware of safety, such as crossing the road and dealing with strangers. This is relatively simple. But when it comes to sexual abuse, it can feel like a daunting prospect. We may feel worried about destroying their innocence or frightening them, as well as desperately hoping our child will never be at risk of such harm.

But the sad reality is that some children are victims of sexual abuse. Last year, Police Scotland recorded more than 5,000 sexual offences committed against children under the age of 16. So, it is vital, that children know that if anyone should ever attempt to abuse them, they would understand that what was happening was wrong, was not their fault and that they should tell a trusted adult. Yet it can be difficult to know how to get this message across to children in a way that is not scary and is appropriate for their age.

For this reason, the Orkney Public Protection Committee, Western Isles Child Protection Committee and Shetland Public Protection Committee have joined with NSPCC Scotland to run the charity’s Talk PANTS campaign, which gives parents, carers and professionals advice on how to have simple, age-appropriate conversations with children about sexual abuse. It doesn’t mention sex or use scary words but with the help of a colourful animated character, called Pantosaurus, it helps children understand that their body belongs to them and to recognise when something is not okay and how to tell someone. It lets children know that if they ever feel sad, anxious or frightened they can talk to a trusted adult, a family member, a teacher, a friend’s parent or even Childline.

We launched the campaign at a virtual event in Autumn last year and since then Talk PANTS displays have been put on by Orkney Rape and Sexual Assault Service, in Kirkwall; Northlight Gallery, in Stromness; and Voluntary Action Orkney. In the next couple of months, displays will also be shown by Stromness Library and Orkney Library.

During December Phoenix Cinema, in the Pickaquoy Centre, Kirkwall, played the NSPCC’s Pantosaurus film before all U-rated movies.

Throughout January, the NSPCC held virtual workshops for professionals, including those who work in health, education, and early years, to help them learn about the campaign’s materials and resources. They in turn can become champions in sharing the campaign’s messages with parents and carers and children.

And last month, copies of the NSPCC’s new book, Pantosaurus and the Power of PANTS, were distributed to various outlets, including schools, libraries, and key agencies such as Women’s Aid Orkney, the Orkney Rape and Sexual Assault Service, and Voluntary Action Orkney, to ensure the book is read and shared by as many parents and carers with young children as possible. 

The materials contain guides for parents, including one translated into Gaelic for distribution in the Western Isles; a British Sign Language PANTS video; and a Pantosaurus film. There are also guides for foster carers and parents with learning disabilities and resources for teachers to use in primary schools.

Parents and professionals can find out how to Talk PANTS on the NSPCC’s website.

Anyone with concerns about the welfare of a child can call the NSPCC’s free and confidential helpline on 0808 800 5000 for advice. Children can contact Childline about any worries on 0800 1111 or at childline.org.uk.