Talk about body safety.

You’ve probably already had many safety talks with your child

like wearing a bicycle helmet or washing hands. Talking about body safety is equally important, because it can help protect your child against abuse.

Even if you’ve talked with your child about their body, it’s important that you have the “whole talk.” Talk with them about body parts and development, body boundaries, and appropriate touch. The younger a child is, the easier it is to start these conversations, but you can absolutely begin at any age!

Kids are never too old to talk about body safety. Teens can definitely benefit from conversations about body boundaries and types of touches. As your teen gets older and experiences different types of situations, they’ll know you’re still there and available to talk.

Start Talking

It’s OK to say “no” to another person...even an adult. When you feel uncomfortable or “icky,” you can let them know. And if they don’t listen, you can come and tell me.

AGES 2-5

Discuss privacy and the difference between secrets and surprises.

Teach how body boundaries connect to privacy and safe touch.

AGES 0-2

Teach accurate names of ALL body parts—including during bath times and diaper changes.

Model safe, appropriate, comfortable touch.

Start Talking

Ask your child to point to the body parts you name.

AGES 5-8

Introduce the concept of consent.

Begin to discuss the changes their body will experience as they go through puberty.

Talk to them about the act of sex and its connection to reproduction.

AGES 8-12

Discuss what characteristics make up healthy relationships. Introduce the idea of online privacy.

Expand on the idea of consent.

START TALKING

Knowing what a healthy relationship looks like is another way to keep our body safe. What makes up a healthy relationship? (i.e. trust, good communication, anger control, etc.)

Teens

Discuss what relationship boundaries can look like.

Talk about how social media can affect them mentally and socially.

Teach teens about how substances can affect decision-making skills.

START TALKING

What are some negative aspects of social media? What are some positives?

Start Talking

Consent is giving someone a choice about touch or actions—and respecting their answer. Let’s talk about situations where we need consent.