HUNDREDS of schoolchildren have been visited by a friendly giant to learn about how to keep themselves safe.

The mascot of the NSPCC’s PANTS campaign, Pantosaurus, performed a song on the World Stage at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod to some of the estimated 2,700 children in attendance for the festival’s Children’s Day, which was sponsored by NSPCC Cymru.

The campaign has helped more than 400,000 parents across the UK talk to their children about sexual abuse since it launched four years ago. Talking PANTS is designed to teach children that their body belongs to them, they have the right to say no and to tell someone they trust if they’re ever worried about anything.

The PANTS acronym stands for; P - Privates are private; A - Always remember your body belongs to you; N - No means no; T - Talk about secrets that upset you; and S - Speak up, someone can help.

A recent YouGov survey commissioned by the NSPCC showed that 92 per cent of parents of children aged four to eight thought that it was important to speak to their sons or daughters about sexual abuse.

The importance of the PANTS campaign has been reinforced by research by the NSPCC has revealed that as many as one in every 20 UK schoolchildren will suffer some form of sexual abuse.

Alan Peterson, Chair of the NSPCC’s Wales Appeal Board, said: “It’s vital that our children understand how to stay safe. It’s even better if they can have fun while learning.

“We are grateful to the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod for giving us the opportunity to perform to so many children from the main stage on the festival’s children’s day, sponsored by NSPCC Cymru.

“The NSPCC created the PANTS campaign to make discussing this difficult subject less daunting and uncomfortable to reach as many families as possible. The charity is continuing to develop new ways for Pantosaurus to help young children learn how to stay safe from abuse.”

As well as performing and teaching the PANTS song on stage, the NSPCC also carried out PANTS-related activity workshops including creating a washing line across the stage of pants made by children.

Rhys Davies, chairman of the Llangollen International Eisteddfod, added: “We were thrilled to welcome Pantosaurus to Llangollen for Children’s Day. As well as offering youngsters a fun workshop session, the NSPCC campaign is also a fantastic opportunity to educate youngsters about the dangers of sexual abuse.

“The International Eisteddfod promotes speaking out about important issues such as this, as well as helping young children in our society to lead safer lives.”

As well as talking PANTS to hundreds of children on the opening day of the Musical Eisteddfod, NSPCC Cymru will also attend the festival’s Harmony Centre on Saturday, July 7 for Family Day where the charity will be distributing PANTS parent guides and activity packs.

The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod continues its celebration of international culture this week until its finale on Sunday, July 8.

For more information on visit www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk

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