In an outcome met with collective relief, Victorian health authorities have confirmed that all 2000 children tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in connection with alleged pedophile Joshua Dale Brown have returned negative results. The tests were conducted as a precaution after Brown, charged with over 70 offenses involving children aged five months to two years, was found to have worked across 23 childcare centres over an eight-year span.

Simple songs about consent gently introduce children to concepts like body autonomy, boundary-setting, and respectful communication in ways that feel playful, affirming, and easy to remember. By pairing repetitive rhymes with hand motions, call-and-response, and relatable scenarios, these songs help children internalize messages such as “I can say no,” “I ask before I touch,” and “My voice matters.” Whether used in circle time, transition moments, or home routines, they offer educators and families an emotionally safe, joyful way to teach consent from the ground up.

Creating a safe and empowering environment for preschoolers begins with intentional, age-appropriate education around body autonomy, emotional literacy, and help-seeking skills. This article offers a collection of EYLF-aligned, trauma-informed Child Protection activities designed to foster safety, resilience, and voice in young learners. 

Join Semann and Slattery for a free webinar on Tuesday, 8th July, on Protecting Children From Paedophiles and Child Abuse, with practical strategies to ensure protective mechanisms are in place. 

In NSW, nominated supervisors, persons in day-to-day charge and family day care co-ordinators must complete a child protection course required by a Government protocol, by section 162A of the Children (Education and Care Services) National Law.

The Victoria's Child Safe Standards Posters are a set of mandatory requirements to protect children and young people from harm and abuse. The new 11 Child Safe Standards came into force in Victoria on 1 July 2022.

The My Early Warning Signs Posters detail the first signs and symptoms that a child may experience when they feel that something isn't right. These are great for children to understand what their bodies are telling them and a way to spark conversation with young children on what to do if they feel these warning signs.

The NSW Child Safe Standards Posters display each of the 10 standards as well as details on why each standard is important and how this standard can be applied in the service. The Child Safe Standards establish a standard so that organisations can evaluate their ability to keep children safe and set performance goals. The Standards offer organisations practical advice on how to promote a child-friendly culture, adopt policies, and take actions that prioritise children's best interests and keep them safe from harm.

The My Body Safety Rules Posters are great to display and use as a discussion point for teaching children about how to protect themselves or what to do when they start to feel uncomfortable around a particular adult or in certain situations.

National Child Protection Week will run from 4-10 September 2022. The overriding theme of National Child Protection Week in 2022 will be "Every child, in every community, needs a fair go."