Resources to teach children Protective Behaviours

Research shows that children who receive consistent safety messages, at home and at school, are more likely to be confident in responding to unsafe situations and to speak up if something happens that concerns or upsets them.^[1]https://www.aifs.com.au/static/media/uploads/childwise_parentsguide.pdf

Families and educators can provide these consistent safety messages through a range of Protective Behaviours resources.  Below are a few recommendations that focus on PBs, body safety and consent.

Picture Books

Lottie’s Big Feelings by Christine Camp

A storybook about FEELINGS and meeting new FRIENDS.  This first book from the Little Adventures Series is based on topic one of the Protective Behaviours educational program.  Lottie Lamb discovers that she has big feelings, calm feelings and feelings can change when we ask for help.

Kaylo’s Amazing Body by Christine Camp (Coming Soon!)

What are our bodies telling us through our Early Warning Signs (EWS) or Body Signals? In book 2 of the Little Adventures Series, Kaylo Koala discovers he needs to listen to the body signals (EWS) in his body and recognise why his body is reacting to scary situations.  Kaylo learns that everyone feels uncomfortable EWS and asking for help and sharing our worries can help us feel calm again. 

Christine Camp shop

No Means No! by Jayneen Sanders
Teaching children about personal boundaries, respect, and consent.
Check out books and other resources by Jayneen Sanders e2epublishing Shop

Matilda Learns a Valuable Lesson by Holly-ann Martin
Matilda learns that if you feel unsafe, you need to tell a trusted adult.  Children also learn to keep seeking help until they feel safe again. 

Hayden-Reece Learns a Valuable Lesson that Private means ‘Just for You’ by Holly-ann Martin
Miss Martin teaches her class the difference between Public and Private and explains that no one should see or touch their private body parts without their consent and that Private means ‘Just for you’.

Someone should have told me by Holly-ann MartinA book for adults to share with children.  It uses colourful, fun illustrations and simple statements prefaced by “Someone should have told me…,” to help adults talk to children about potential online and face-to-face dangers.

Check out Holly-ann Martin’s book, games, posters, and bundles. I highly recommend the feelings Bingo! Safe4Kids Shop 

The following books are available online, please check out Amazon, Booktopia, Book Depository and other online book stores for availability and prices.

My Body Belongs to Me by Jill Starishevsky
The rhyming story and simple, friendly illustrations provide a way to sensitively share and discuss the topic, guiding young children to understand that their private parts belong to them alone.  The overriding message of My Body Belongs to Me is that if someone touches your private parts, you need to tell a trusted adult.

Only For Me by Michelle Derrig
Endorsed by one of Australia’s leading child protection agencies Act for Kids, and a resource of the Child Protection Unit at Sydney Children’s Hospital.   A rhyming book that gently introduces children to critical information that they need to know, to protect themselves.

Everybody’s got a Bottom by Tess Rowley
This book uses correct anatomical terms and emphasises that you can always talk about your body or any concerns you have with your parents or another trusted adult. It is a story about Ben and his brother and sister learning and talking together about bodies.

The Huge Bag of Worries by Virginia Ironside
A funny and reassuring look at dealing with worries and anxiety, to be used as a springboard into important conversations with children about managing big worries.

My Body Belongs to Me from My Head to My Toes by Created by Pro Familia, Illustrator Dagmar Geisler.
An educational tool to help instil confidence in children when it comes to their bodies. The narrative of the story is led by a girl named Clara, who encourages kids to say “no” if they are uncomfortable with physical contact.

RESOURCES

Talk Soon. Talk Often Healthy WA
An age-appropriate guide for parents talking to their kids about sex.

Yarning quiet ways Yarning quiet ways is based on the Talk soon and was developed in consultation with Aboriginal families. It gives tips to parents of young Aboriginal people to help make yarning about sex and relationships a little easier.

Access the documents here.  Free hardcopies bulk orders (Western Australian schools and organisations) can be made via www.dohquickmail.com.au. Register with an organisational email.

SUPPORT ORGANISATIONS

Kids Helpline – Kids can talk confidentially anytime for any reason with a trained counsellor. 1800 551 800 https://kidshelpline.com.au/

WACCS – WA speciality provider of Protective Behaviours, Cyber Safety and Child Protection Literacy programs and resources.

PB West – WA provider specialising in Safeguarding children and strengthening communities and offering resources and support education training and programs for adults, teachers, families, and children.  

* Do you have a PBs picture book or activity resource you are using and would recommend? Share the resource and your thoughts on my FB page: (PB) resources for early years children feel free to add other age-appropriate PBs resources.

This blog is updated with new resources and available support.