Families praise G8 Education\u2019s national rollout of evidence-based protective behaviours program after seeing positive changes in their children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brisbane mother Jennifer Boyce praises G8 Education\u2019s national rollout of evidence-based protective behaviours program after seeing positive changes in her three year old son.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
G8 Education\u2019s Australia-wide rollout of Act for Kids\u2019 Learn to Be Safe with Emmy and Friends program is being taught to almost 30,000 children, with parents reporting more confidence, communication and understanding of body safety in their children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brisbane mother, Jennifer, said her three year old son has shown increased confidence since the program was introduced at The Learning Sanctuary, which is one of G8 Education\u2019s 350 early learning centres now delivering the evidence based curriculum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jennifer recently noticed that her son was speaking more about body safety and body autonomy when he was at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy son has been talking more openly at home about body safety, body autonomy and private parts,\u201d Jennifer said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe told us that he has \u2018safe adults\u2019, who are grown-ups that he can talk to about anything.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jennifer said the program has helped her son be able to express his feelings more clearly and understand his own boundaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIn the last six months, he has really increased in confidence when it comes to body autonomy. He is now confident telling us what he feels comfortable with or how he wants to greet someone,\u201d Jennifer explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe respect that, and we work out another way he can say hello or goodbye if he doesn\u2019t want a kiss or a hug.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jennifer has always encouraged open conversations at home, but says the centre\u2019s structured approach has deepened her son\u2019s understanding of safety, consent and empathy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI noticed the changes in my son, and the centre let us know that they were teaching the Learn to Be Safe with Emmy and Friends body safety program which I thought was a fantastic idea. It is so important to start teaching those concepts to children really early,\u201d Jennifer said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe educators have made it just a normal part of everyone\u2019s day at the centre. It\u2019s not a big deal, it\u2019s just an important part of the children\u2019s everyday learning.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jennifer believes the program should be essential for all early childhood education and care centres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI know that my son has enjoyed learning about body safety. I definitely feel it is so important that children are across this, and can articulate how they\u2019re feeling and have adults they feel safe to talk to about anything,\u201d Jennifer said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou never know when your child might need to share some really important information with you. If children are given the tools to express themselves, that really is invaluable.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jennifer also praised the diversity represented in the Learn to Be Safe with Emmy and Friends program\u2019s resources, noting that children can see themselves reflected in the characters and stories. \u201cWhen I was looking through the resources, I liked that there\u2019s diversity in the characters. This is what people look like, and this is reflective of our community,\u201d Jennifer said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Perth family testimonial <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A Perth mother whose two\u2011year\u2011old son attends a Great Beginnings centre has praised the impact of the body safety education being delivered in their centre, sharing a recent experience that highlighted how strongly her son has embraced what he has learned. <\/p>\n\n\n\n She said her mother took her son to the shops, when he began to wander ahead. After his grandmother asked him to hold her hand, her son declined in typical two\u2011year\u2011old fashion. A nearby man then reached out his hand and asked if he would like to hold his hand instead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWithout hesitation, my son ran straight back to my mum and said, \u2018Nan, he\u2019s not my safe person. I\u2019ll hold Nan\u2019s hand now.\u2019\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n She said she believes the interaction was innocent and well\u2011meaning, however it demonstrated the value of the Emmy and Friends program being taught at their centre. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cLater that day, I was able to talk with him about who his safe people are. He listed family members and several of the educators at Great Beginnings. I hadn\u2019t used this language with him before, so it was clear the learning had come from the centre.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n She said knowing her son feels secure, supported and confident in identifying trusted adults gives her enormous reassurance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAs a mum, I can\u2019t express how grateful I am for the lessons he is learning at such a young age. I truly believe they are helping to protect and safeguard him. Hearing him name so many of the Great Beginnings educators as his \u2018safe people\u2019 was incredibly comforting.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n She said her family deeply appreciates the care and commitment shown by the team. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFrom our family to all the educators who have played such an important role in educating and caring for him \u2014 thank you. It really doesn\u2019t go unnoticed in our home,\u201d said the mother. <\/p>\n\n\n\n G8 Education\u2019s Chief Quality and Safety Officer Ali Evans said: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAligned with our value \u2018Safety first and always\u2019, G8 Education is proud to be implementing Act for Kids\u2019 Emmy and Friends program in all centres across the country. It\u2019s been really well received by our team members, families and children in our centres,\u201d Ms Evans said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe know that when children understand what safety is, recognise warning signs to look out for, know who they can turn to for help, and feel confident to speak up, it can make such a difference.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOur team members have embraced this training, and the feedback from our families has been incredible as they appreciate having clear, practical tools from experts to continue these conversations at home with their children.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u202f \u201cTeaching children about protective behaviours is part of the curriculum and the child safety reforms. By equipping educators, families and children with the right resources, we are helping to build a community where children understand their rights, and one where we can all help to keep children safe.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n