NSPCC launches new PANTS campaign to help keep young children safe from sexual abuse

It's a topic which parents sometimes don't know how to best approach - especially with their youngest offspring.

But a new national campaign hopes to change all that by showing families with small children how they can raise the sensitive subject of sexual abuse.

The NSPCC is bringing Pantosaurus the dinosaur to television and tablet screens to help children understand how they can help keep themselves safe.

Central to it will be his promotion of 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, someone can help.

Alongside a national television advert being screened in prime time slots this month is a free download called 'Playtime with Pantosaurus' where players can test their skills against the dinosaur in a series of games while learning the PANTS rule.

The charity, which says that it understands that talking about sexual abuse is not easy but nonetheless very important, hopes the approach taken by this campaign will help families.

Peter Wanless, CEO of the NSPCC, added: “Most parents now recognise that they need to speak to their young children about the dangers they may face from sexual abuse, both in the online and real world, as they grow up.

“However, the reality of having these conversations can be both daunting and very uncomfortable. That is why the NSPCC has created the Talk PANTScampaign and continues to develop new ways for Pantosaurus to help young children learn how to stay safe from sexual abuse.”