Families learned about keeping children safe from harm when our fun-loving dinosaur visited Edinburgh Zoo recently.
Pantosaurus, the friendly dinosaur character which fronts the NSPCC’s Talk PANTS campaign, was joined by more than 370 people at the zoo for colouring activities and sharing the Talk PANTS messages.
This event was part of a campaign which launched in Edinburgh last October to help protect children across the city from sexual abuse.
EdinburghTalkPANTS is being delivered by NSPCC Scotland in partnership with the Edinburgh Child Protection Committee and a wide range of partners across the city. to spread the NSPCC’s Talk PANTS message.
Talk PANTS was developed with children, parents, carers and teachers to help protect young children by giving parents, carers and professionals advice on how to have simple, age-appropriate conversations with children.
Key messages are delivered to children, with help from Pantosaurus, so they understand that their body belongs to them, they have a right to say no and they should tell a safe adult they trust if anything makes them feel upset or worried.
Lauren Engall, NSPCC Scotland Local Campaigns Officer, said: “It was amazing to take Pantosaurus and Talk PANTS to Edinburgh Zoo. Many of the families recognised Pantosaurus and knew the PANTS song, so it was great to see that the message of Talk PANTS is spreading.
“Many thanks to staff from Edinburgh Zoo for having us and Pantosaurus there. The children really enjoyed spending the afternoon with our friendly and colourful dinosaur.
“Talk PANTS lets us speak to children about their rights and how to keep safe in an age-appropriate way and it was brilliant to see so many families turn up for the event. A simple conversation can make a big difference and that’s what Talk PANTS is all about.”
Other upcoming Talk PANTS events in Edinburgh include appearances at the Edinburgh International Book Festival on August 20th, the Primary School Gala Day at the Book Festival on August 22nd, and a family day at Sighthill Library on August 30th which will include a reading by popular children’s author Bruna De Luca, from her book I’m Not Cute, I’m Dangerous.
For more information about Talk PANTS, visit the , and to find out about other events taking place in Edinburgh, visit EdinburghTalkPANTS
Anyone with concerns about the welfare of a child can call the NSPCC’s free and confidential helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@NSPCC.org.uk for advice.
Children and young people can contact Childline about anything that may be worrying them by calling 0800 1111 or by visiting: www.childline.org.uk
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