G8 Education introduces Emmy and Friends consent lessons, teaching 30,000 children body autonomy, safe adults, and protective behaviours nationwide.
National early learning provider G8 Education has announced a nationwide rollout of a child safety and consent curriculum. This follows the arrest of former employee Joshua Brown, who faces multiple child sexual assault charges. In response, G8 Education has committed to embedding stronger safeguarding practices across its centres.
Through the Act for Kids: Learn to be Safe with Emmy and Friends initiative, almost 30,000 children will be supported to identify “safe adults” and recognise unsafe behaviours, ensuring protective education is part of everyday learning.
Program Highlights
The Emmy and Friends curriculum is highly specific and designed to empower children with clear, age‑appropriate knowledge. It uses animations, songs, and picture books to reinforce body autonomy and protective behaviours.
- Body autonomy education: Children learn that their private parts have rules—no one should touch, talk about, photograph, or keep secrets about them.
- Correct anatomical language: Lessons introduce accurate names for male and female body parts, reducing confusion and empowering children to speak clearly.
- Safe vs unsafe secrets: Songs and stories help children distinguish between secrets that are safe (like a surprise party) and unsafe (like being told to hide inappropriate behaviour).
- Trusted adults: Children are encouraged to keep speaking up until someone listens, reinforcing resilience and persistence.
Educator Practice
For educators, the program provides practical tools to embed consent and safety into daily routines. It is not an “extra” lesson but a way of approaching interactions with children consistently and respectfully.
- Using animations: Visual storytelling makes sensitive topics accessible and engaging.
- Incorporating songs: Music reinforces safety messages in a child‑friendly way.
- Reading picture books: Stories about body autonomy encourage discussion and reflection.
- Role‑playing scenarios: Puppets and group activities model boundary‑setting and communication.
Alignment with Standards
This initiative is not only about safety; it also strengthens compliance with national frameworks. By embedding protective education, services meet key elements of the National Quality Standard and the Early Years Learning Framework.
- NQS QA5: Building respectful relationships and empowering children’s voices.
- EYLF Outcome 1: Strengthening children’s sense of identity and agency.
- EYLF Outcome 3: Promoting wellbeing through protective behaviours and resilience.
By embedding the Emmy and Friends program, G8 Education is setting a new benchmark in child safety. The curriculum empowers children to understand body autonomy, identify safe adults, and speak up against unsafe behaviours. For educators, this reform is both a responsibility and an opportunity to strengthen protective practices and ensure every child’s right to safety and respect.
Further Reading
Child Protection Activities For Preschoolers
NSW Child Protection Training Requirements For Educators
Free Webinar—Protecting Children From Paedophiles and Child Abuse
My Early Warning Signs Posters
NSW Child Protection Training Requirements For Educators
My Body Safety Rules Posters
Reference
Childcare Sector Introduces Consent Lessons For Two-Year-Olds Amid Sweeping Safety Reforms