Meet Pantosaurus: a new face in the fight against child sex abuse

Tuesday 10 April 2018

A pants-wearing dinosaur will land in Jersey this week to kick-start important conversations between parents and children on sexual abuse, and help launch a new 24-hour helpline.

With a humorous and friendly character called Pantosaurus, the awareness campaign will uncover the serious and dark world of sexual abuse - in an appropriate and sensitive way -to help prevent any child from becoming a victim.

The animated dinosaur will teach children how to recognise sexual abuse and learn how to stay safe by teaching the ‘Pants’ rule…

• Privates are private

• Always remember your body belongs to you

• No means no

• Talk about secrets that upset you

• Speak up, someone can help.

The new year-long campaign in Jersey - which is being run jointly by the Jersey Safeguarding Board, the NSPCC and a number of States of Jersey partners – has now landed on the island after the national campaign helped over 400,000 parents across the UK talk to their children about sexual abuse, which can be a sensitive and difficult topic to address.

There will be a number of sessions held in nurseries and schools over the next 12-months, delivered in an age appropriate way to eight to 12-years olds, as well as various sexual abuse workshops and courses for professionals who work with children, which can be booked online. 

The sexual abuse awareness campaign also sees the launch of a localised 24-hour helpline, to give more accurate information and advice of island services for the first time.

Video: The NSPCC national campaign featuring Pantosaurus, a dinosaur who teaches children about sexual abuse, has been launched in Jersey. (YouTube)

Helpline staff have been trained to deliver help over the phone and online to anyone, even those who wish to stay anonymous, who are concerned about a child’s health and safety free of charge.  

Speaking about the new campaign, NSPCC Jersey Service Centre Manager, Jacky Moon said; “Most parents now recognise that they need to speak to their young children about the dangers they may face from sexual abuse, both in the online and real world, as they grow up.

“However, the reality of having these conversations can be both daunting and very uncomfortable. That is why the NSPCC has created PANTS and continues to develop new ways for Pantosaurus to help young children to learn about how to stay safe from sexual abuse.” 

Glenys Johnston, Chair of Jersey’s Safeguarding Partnership Board added; “We are delighted to be working with the NSPCC to bring the PANTS campaign to Jersey. We all have a role to play in protecting children and young people from child abuse and neglect. We are hoping that by promoting and supporting the NSPCC’s Helpline in Jersey, we will be able to help children and families earlier before problems escalate.”

Deputy Louise Doublet, who secured funding for the campaign after a question to the Chief Minister during the Independent Care Inquiry debate last year, hopes it will reach as many families as possible. She said: "I was so struck by the content of the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry, and particularly the finding that Jersey children are still at risk of abuse, that I wanted to take action immediately. My research led me to the work of the NSPCC and in particular their 'PANTS' campaign. I am pleased that the Chief Minister gave a positive response to my request that the States of Jersey fund this work. The campaign will help prevent continuing or future abuse by empowering children in Jersey to have a voice. I urge all parents and professionals to make use of the excellent child-friendly resources that are available."