Protective Behaviours

Protective Behaviours is taught at school from K-6. One of the strategies taught is called the Safe 5”.   This is one strategy that you can also use at home with your children

A great way to speak with your children about it, is to ask them about their Early Warning Signs. This could be butterflies in the tummy, sweaty palms, jelly legs and fast beating heart. Also, what they do when they get these early warning signs? Who do they feel safe talking to?

Ask them about their “Safe 5”. In Term One we went through our “Safe 5” hand and nominated 5 people that they could talk to if they had worries.  The 5 people identified need to be reviewed regularly to ensure the people nominated are still around and a part of the children’s everyday lives.

Some examples of who they may nominate are;

• Mum/Dad
• Nanna/Grandad         
• Aunty/Uncle
• Teacher
• Chaplain
• Coach (footy, netball, tennis, swimming)      

There are also some great books that you can read with your children that could help open up the conversation. Maggie Dent has some great resources that she recommends.

https://www.maggiedent.com/blog/top-tips-resources-teach-children-body-safety-protective-behaviours/

Please get in touch if you have any questions or need any further information.

Amanda Wendt

Chaplain