Talk pants with your kids

The charity’s Underwear Rule campaign aims to help mums and dads keep youngsters safe from sexual abuse.

The acronym PANTS stands for: Privates are private, Always remember your body belongs to you, No means no, Talk about secrets that upset you, and Speak up, someone can help.

NSPCC regional head of service Fiona Richards said: “Sexual abuse continues to be a terrible scar on our society and a huge concern for parents.

“Parents play the most important role in keeping their children safe, but many find sexual abuse a difficult subject to talk to their children about.

The campaign — first launched last summer — is specifically aimed at protecting kids aged five to 11. Sex offences against under-11s increased by nearly 20 per cent last year.

Fiona said: “We would urge more parents to teach their children the Underwear Rule so it becomes an integral part of conversations about safety, just like the Green Cross Code.”

Find out more at www.nspcc.org.uk/underwear.