Age-appropriate guidance on teaching children about body safety, personal boundaries, and consent.
Teaching children about body safety and consent helps them understand personal boundaries, recognise inappropriate behaviour, and feel empowered to speak up. These conversations should begin early and evolve as the child grows, using clear and matter-of-fact language.
Body safety education gives children the vocabulary and confidence to identify and report uncomfortable situations. Concepts such as 'private parts', 'safe and unsafe touch', and 'no secrets about bodies' form a foundation that reduces vulnerability and increases the likelihood of early disclosure.
1. Use correct names for body parts from an early age
Teaching children the anatomical names for their body parts removes shame and gives them precise language to describe anything that concerns them.
2. Teach the 'underwear rule'
The NSPCC's PANTS rule is a simple framework: Privates are private, Always remember your body belongs to you, No means no, Talk about secrets that upset you, Speak up — someone can help.
3. Model and respect consent in daily life
Demonstrate consent through everyday actions: asking before hugging, respecting when a child says they do not want to be tickled, and never forcing physical affection with relatives.
Last reviewed: 2026-04-19