Body safety rules for young children, online and off

Body safety education is one of the most effective ways to protect young children from abuse, both in person and online. It doesn't need to be scary. Taught calmly, it's like teaching road safety.

The core lessons

1. Name body parts correctly

Teach the proper names for private parts. Children who know these words can tell you clearly if something happens, and offenders tend to avoid children who seem knowledgeable.

2. Private parts are private

"The parts covered by your swimsuit or underwear are private. Nobody should look at them, touch them, or take pictures of them, except a doctor or a parent helping you get clean, and only when you need it."

3. Cameras and screens too

"Nobody should ask you to show your private parts on a video call or in a photo. Nobody should show you pictures or videos of private parts. If that happens, tell me, even if it's someone you know."

4. No secrets about bodies

Teach the difference between surprises (fun, and everyone finds out soon, like a birthday gift) and secrets (something someone says you must never tell). "We don't keep secrets about bodies or touching. Ever."

5. You can say no

"If someone wants to touch you or see you in a way that feels wrong, you can say no, even to a grown-up, even to family."

6. Tell a safe adult

Help your child name three or four safe adults they can tell. "If one doesn't listen, tell another."

7. It's never your fault

"If someone does something to your body, it's never your fault, and you'll never be in trouble for telling."

Online safety for little ones

• Young children should use devices in shared rooms, not alone in bedrooms.
• Video calls should be with people you know and approve, with an adult nearby.
• Turn off chat in games and apps for young children.
• Don't take or share photos of children in the bath or undressed, even innocently. See sharenting.

Practise with "what if" games

• "What if someone on a video call asked you to take off your clothes?"
• "What if a cousin said, 'This is our secret, don't tell your mama'?"
• "What if someone showed you a picture of private parts on their phone?"

Praise good answers. Repeat these conversations every few months.

Abuse by people children know

Many children who are abused, including online, are harmed by someone they know: a relative, neighbour, family friend or caregiver. Body safety rules should apply to everyone. See OSAEC in the Philippines.

If your child tells you something

Stay calm. Believe them. Thank them for telling you. Don't press for details. Make sure they're safe, and report to the PNP Women and Children Protection Center, your barangay, Bantay Bata 163 or the CICC (1326). See how to report online child abuse.