Talk PANTS campaign

Guidance on the NSPCC's Talk PANTS campaign for professionals and parents and carers of children aged three to 11.

About the campaign

The Talk PANTS campaign helps carers have simple and age-appropriate conversations that can help to keep children safe from sexual abuse, without using any scary words or even mentioning sex.

Talk PANTS was developed by the NSPCC with children, parents, carers and teachers. It introduces child safety messages with the help of PANTosaurus.

PANTosaurus helps children understand that their body belongs to them and they should tell a safe adult they trust if anything makes them feel upset or worried.

Talk PANTS stands for:

• Privates are private
• Always remember your body belongs to you
• No means no
• Talk about secrets that upset you
• Speak up, someone can help

Talk PANTS is an NSPCC campaign promoted locally as part of our sexual and reproductive health strategy.

Parts of the programme

Talk PANTS is a preventative campaign developed by the NSPCC from the European Council Underwear Rule. Research has shown that programmes which successfully prevent child sexual abuse usually include seven key components:

• Always tell a trusted adult
• How to identify a trusted adult
• Children’s bodies belong to them
• Distinguishing appropriate and inappropriate touch
• Types of secrets or surprises
• Children are not to blame
• Correct anatomical names for private parts

How to Talk PANTS

You can introduce Talk PANTS and PANTosaurus to children, parents and teachers in different settings:

• Assemblies
• Classroom activities including story time with the PANTosaurus book
• Parent and carers sessions or meet and greet PANTosaurus 
• Everyday conversations
• Learning and teaching the PANTS rule in Makaton
• Social media posts and newsletters

Teaching resources

For more information about planning Talk PANTS activities, see the resources from the NSPCC:

• Talk PANTS information session (YouTube)
• Talk PANTS teaching resources (NSPCC)
• Talk PANTS information session for parents/carers (YouTube)
• Talk PANTS guides for Parents (NSPCC)
• Watch how a school in Haringey used Talk PANTS resources (YouTube)

The PANTS song (YouTube) can also be used to deliver Talk PANTS messages.

Borrow a PANTosauraus costume

PANTosaurus is a friendly, pant-wearing dinosaur who teaches parents and children about how to help stay safe in a fun way.

A costume can be borrowed for use in early years and school setting to support your activities.

You will need to:

• Arrange collection and return
• Follow the costume health and safety guidelines

Contact publichealth@wandsworth.gov.uk to borrow a costume.