Your body: Staying safe

Illustration of a person smiling and giving the thumbs up. A backpack strap is visible over one shoulder against a sky background.

Your body belongs to you

You are the boss of your body and what you say goes!

From your head to your toes, nobody else can go – unless you say so.

You have the right to say no.

   

Illustration showing three scenes: two people giving a high five, a girl being checked with an eye chart by an adult holding a bandage, and two people hugging.

Safe touch

Safe touch is when someone shows you they care with a hug, a pat on the back or a high five.

Sometimes it’s keeping you safe by holding your hand to cross the road.

Other times it's help from a doctor or parent if you are sick or hurt.

   

Illustration of a child standing in front of a shadow whose arms rest on their shoulders. The background is dark with curved shapes.

Unsafe touch

Unsafe touch is any touch that hurts your body or makes you feel uncomfortable.

It might make you feel confused or scared.

It’s when someone touches you where you don’t want to be touched.

   

Illustration of three people holding hands while walking through shallow water at a beach. One holds a small bucket. Waves and sky are visible.

Private parts are private

Private parts include your genitals, bottom and also your chest and nipples.

They are the parts of your body under your swimmers and are usually kept out of view, except for boys who show their chest and nipples.

   

Illustration showing two simple human outlines. Rectangular bars cover the chest and pelvic areas on each figure.

It’s not ok to look, touch or play with each other’s private parts

No one should touch your private parts.

No one can ask you to touch theirs.

No one should show you pictures of private parts.

If this happens, you should tell someone you trust straight away.

   

Illustration of a person sitting on grass holding a toy. Thought bubbles read “Shaky”, “Sweaty”, “funny in the tummy”, “Heart beating really fast”, and “Scared”.

Your body gives you clues if you feel unsafe

If you feel unsafe your body might send you some clues.

You may get a funny feeling in your tummy.

Your heart might beat really fast.

You may feel shaky, sweaty or have wobbly knees.

   

Illustration of a person sitting indoors holding a teddy bear. A dark figure appears behind a wall, and a speech bubble reads “Shhh”.

Some secrets shouldn’t be kept

It’s ok to talk about secrets that make you feel upset, worried or uncomfortable. 

Nobody should ask you to keep a secret if it’s about your body or private parts.

   

Illustration of a person facing forward with one hand raised. The word “STOP” is written on the palm.

If I feel unsafe I can…

Say 'No' or 'Stop'.

I can tell them that I don’t like that or not to touch me that way. 

If you can, run away or yell for help.

Tell someone you trust as soon as you can.

   

Illustration of several people shown inside colourful shapes. Text beneath the group reads “MY SUPPORTS”.

My safety circle

A safety circle is made up of people who you can talk to about your body safely or when you feel sad, scared or unsure.

It could be your mum, dad, carer, grandparent, aunty, teacher or a friend’s parent.

Who is in your safety circle?

   

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Kids Helpline is here for you

If you can’t tell an adult in your life then tell a counsellor at Kids Helpline.

We will listen and help you.

   

You are not alone

We’ll listen, believe you and support you in staying safe. Give us a call, start a webchat, or read one of our other articles.

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This content was last reviewed 19/07/2018