The week-long PANTS campaign, which features the dinosaur Pantosaurus, aims to encourage parents, carers and professionals to have conversations with children in an age-appropriate way about how to stay safe from sexual abuse.
The campaign comes after UK police forces released new figures that show an increase in reports of sexual offences against children aged between four and eight years old.
According to figures – based on a freedom of information request to 45 UK police forces made by the NSPCC – there were 6,613 recorded sexual offences against children aged four to eight years old in 2016 and 2017. Where comparable figures were provided, this represents a 13 per cent increase on the previous year.
Meanwhile, reported sexual offences against all children under the age of 18 in Jersey during the last two years have remained consistent at 70 and 74.
The ongoing abuse awareness campaign was first launched in Jersey in April to promote 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.
As part of the campaign the Talk PANTS messages will be promoted in schools and people will be encouraged to access the NSPCC website where children can sing along with Pantosaurus and download the app.
Adults can also order a PANTS activity pack – which does not mention the words sex or abuse – so it is easier for parents to tackle the sensitive subject.
The Jersey Safeguarding Partnership Board runs the campaign in conjunction with the NSPCC and the States.
Detective Superintendent Stewart Gull, vice chair of the Jersey (Children’s) Safeguarding Partnership Board, said: ‘Dealing with child victims of sexual abuse represents some of the most serious offending my officers deal with.
‘The vast majority of offending of this nature that we deal with involves offenders who are already known within the family unit.
‘This campaign represents an on-going opportunity to make children and family units better informed at awareness and prevention.’
Jacky Moon, service centre manager at NSPCC Jersey, said: ‘Conversations with children about learning how to stay safe from sexual abuse should be as normal as teaching them to cross the road. PANTS week is a great chance to highlight how parents and professionals can speak with children about sexual abuse in an age-appropriate way.’
Children with any concerns can call a helpline number, 0808 800 5000, or Childline on 0800 1111. They can also visit childline.org.uk.
