Activity booklet

This activity booklet has been developed to help adults identify everyday opportunities they can use to have open conversations with children and young people to keep them safe from child sexual abuse. Ongoing, age-appropriate conversations send the message to children and young people that they can talk to you, and you will listen, no matter what.

You can talk to children and young people about sexual abuse as part of conversations about bodies, relationships, respect, boundaries, consent and online safety. It’s important to talk about saying ‘no’, physical warning signs, inappropriate touching, and the difference between ‘secrets’ and ‘surprises’.

It can feel challenging and uncomfortable to discuss child sexual abuse, but doing so is important, and can be an age-appropriate and positive experience. Having conversations at times and in settings which are part of a regular day can help to normalise talking about the topic and make children and young people feel safe and comfortable to raise questions and concerns.