Feel Safe, Be Safe: Protective Strategies

Protective strategies give children more than information they give them power. Through everyday conversations and intentional teaching, we help children understand that they have an absolute right to feel safe and to be safe, all of the time.

Children learn that their bodies belong to them, that their feelings are valid, and that it’s always okay to say “no” if something doesn’t feel right. We help them recognise safe and unsafe situations, understand the difference between secrets and surprises, and know what to do if they ever feel worried or unsure.

Most importantly, we teach children that there are grown-ups who will listen, believe, and help. We encourage them to identify their trusted adults people they can talk to about anything, whether it’s something big, small, or confusing.

By embedding these protective strategies in daily learning and play, we nurture confidence, self-awareness, and resilience, empowering children to grow up knowing they have a voice that matters, and the right to use it.

From an early age, children can be taught age-appropriate knowledge, strategies and skills to respond to a range of unsafe situations, in a way that is helpful rather than frightening. These are known as protective strategies or protective behaviours.

Protective strategies empower children with the knowledge that they have a right to feel safe and be safe all of the time and they can talk to a trusted adult about anything.

When these age-appropriate strategies are taught to young children, they are equipped with the skills to recognise and respond to potentially unsafe situations (including online), understand their bodies, emotions and early warning signs, set boundaries, and persist in seeking help from a trusted adult.

You can download our brouchure Big Conversations for Little Bodies to help you to start the important conversation with your child.

By having conversations about your child’s body early, you’re giving your child the tools to stay safe, feel confident & know they are loved & protected.