Supporting Your Child's Personal Safety and Understanding of Consent: The Underpants Rule

As parents, ensuring our children understand personal safety and the importance of consent is paramount. One effective way to teach these concepts is through the "Underpants Rule." Here's how you can support your child's safety and understanding of consent, along with some valuable Australian resources.

What is the Underpants Rule?

The Underpants Rule is a simple guideline to help children understand which parts of their body are private. It teaches that the areas covered by their underwear are private and that no one should touch or ask to see these areas without permission. This rule empowers children to recognize inappropriate behaviour and seek help if needed.

How Parents Can Support Personal Safety and Understanding of Consent

Open Communication:

- Talk to your children about their bodies and boundaries in an age-appropriate manner.

- Encourage them to speak up if someone makes them feel uncomfortable or if they encounter inappropriate behavior.

Teach Body Autonomy:

- Emphasize that their body belongs to them and they have the right to say no to unwanted touch.

- Reinforce that they should never keep secrets about body safety, even if someone they know or trust asks them to.

Role-Playing Scenarios:

- Use role-playing to help children practice saying no and seeking help in various situations.

- Discuss different scenarios and appropriate responses to ensure they feel confident in protecting themselves.

By incorporating the Underpants Rule and these strategies into your parenting, you can help your children develop a strong understanding of personal safety and consent. These conversations and practices are crucial in protecting your child and empowering them to take charge of their own well-being.

Recommended and Quick Resources for Parents:
Body & Cyber Safety: How to Pre-arm and Protect Your Children

eSafeKids Book Reading: My Underpants Rule! - YouTube

eSafeKids Book Reading: Let's Talk About Body Boundaries, Consent and Respect