Here are 5 gentle, emotionally intelligent, story-based resources designed to help young children understand body boundaries, safe adults, and protective behaviors.

Talking to young children about child protection is one of the most powerful ways to build their sense of safety, agency, and trust. It’s not about instilling fear—it’s about giving them language, confidence, and clarity to navigate their world. Here’s how to approach it with warmth, honesty, and age-appropriate care.

Bravehearts Day, held annually on 12 September, is a national child protection awareness initiative focused on preventing child sexual assault and promoting safe relationships. For early childhood educators, this day offers a chance to gently introduce foundational safety concepts through emotionally intelligent, developmentally appropriate practice.

Today, 1 September 2025, marks a pivotal shift in Australia’s early childhood education landscape, with strengthened child safety regulations now officially in force under the National Quality Framework (NQF). These reforms—fast-tracked following the national review of child safety arrangements—aim to close regulatory gaps, improve incident response, and safeguard children in increasingly digital environments.

The NSW Office of the Children's Guardian has developed a SAFE Series Protective Behaviors Program, which helps early childhood educators teach protective behaviours to children in their care. After the session, your service will receive 2 sets of SAFE Series books featuring our loveable SAFE Series stars Sam, Andy, Fiona, and Eve to help adults start conversations with young children about personal safety.

More than two decades after the abduction and murder of 13-year-old Daniel Morcombe, Queensland has introduced landmark legislation aimed at strengthening child protection. Known as Daniel’s Law, the new bill establishes a public child sex offender registry, allowing families and communities to access critical safety information.

A sweeping $189 million childcare reform package announced by federal, state, and territory education ministers has sparked debate over its heavy reliance on technology to prevent abuse in early childhood settings.

In a landmark move to strengthen child safety and regulatory oversight, the Australian government is preparing to roll out five major reforms across early childhood education centres. These changes, expected to take effect within months, aim to address longstanding gaps in compliance, transparency, and sector accountability.

Amid a surge in allegations of sexual offences within the childcare sector, NSW Police are urging parents to bypass childcare centre directors and report concerns directly to law enforcement. The warning comes as a parliamentary inquiry exposes serious lapses in child safety protocols across the industry.

Australia’s Children’s Commissioner has called for the establishment of a dedicated Cabinet Minister for Children, citing escalating concerns over child safety and systemic failures in the childcare sector.