The Queensland Police Service (QPS) are encouraging community members to register for the second edition of Australia’s Biggest Child Safety Lesson (ABCSL).
In 2020, for the first time, the Daniel Morcombe Foundation has produced two editions of ABCSL.
This second lesson, aimed at children aged four to seven, will be streamed on Thursday, September 10, during National Child Protection Week.
It will focus on safe and unsafe secrets and surprises for young children and discuss safe environments.
Detective Inspector Glen Donaldson from the Crime and Intelligence Command said it is important for parents and carers to educate their child about the different types of secrets and why it’s important to talk to a trusted adult.
“The QPS encourages parents and carers to talk to their children at a young age about unsafe secrets,” Detective Inspector Donaldson said.
“Explain that sometimes people ask kids to keep secrets because they’re doing bad things.
“Make it a regular discussion with your child as your child’s ability to understand the subject grows.”
Denise Morcombe said that young children love the idea of keeping secrets, however, secrets are a weapon used by perpetrators to prevent children from disclosing abuse.
“That’s why the language that we use around secrets and surprises is such an important part of children’s personal safety education,” Mrs Morcombe said.
“For children aged four to seven, the key message is that no one should ask us to keep a secret that makes us feel bad.
“Nothing is too awful to talk about and that children won’t get in trouble if they tell you an unsafe secret that someone has asked them to keep.”
Where can I get help?
If you or your child are at risk or immediate harm, contact the police on Triple Zero (000).
- The Daniel Morcombe Foundation has resources to teach personal safety skills to children and young people available at https://danielmorcombe.com.au/
- Parentline 1800 30 1300 provide free telephone counselling and advice to parents and carers. Resources are available to support parents and carers to understand a wide range of issues related to raising children and young people at https://parentline.com.au/
- The Australian Institute of Family Studies has an up to date contact list of relevant state or territory child protection agencies, if you suspect a child has experienced abuse or is at risk of harm https://aifs.gov.au/cfca/publications/cfca-resource-sheet/reporting-child-abuse-and-neglect
- The Office of the eSafety Commissioner has resources to help children, young people, parents and carers. They are committed to helping all Australians have safe, positive experiences online https://www.esafety.gov.au/
- Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 provide a free, 24 hour counselling service for young people. Resources and web chat are available at https://kidshelpline.com.au/.
To register to participate in Australia’s Biggest Child Safety Lesson, visit https://danielmorcombe.com.au/.
For more information on their first ABCSL which streamed on June 25, click here, or watch the video below.
