Bravehearts delivers education show to 1000th Cairns Child at Pelicans childcare centre

Cairns childcare centres have teamed up with a national education program in an effort to rid communities of child abuse. FIND OUT MORE

CAIRNS childcare centres have teamed up with a national education program in an effort to rid communities of child abuse.

In Australia, 1 in 5 children will suffer sexual abuse in their childhood years, but education programs such as Bravehearts’ Ditto’s Keep Safe Adventure Show are working to make those statistics history.

Bravehearts delivered their show to their 1000th child in Cairns at Pelicans in the City One Childcare Centre, who host the show every year.

Pelicans educator Mayara Rocha said the show empowers children to be aware of certain situations, to “say no” when they’re uncomfortable and to be brave in seeking help from safe adults.

Kindy Students from Pelicans Early Learning and Childcare Centre watch Bravehearts Ditto’s Keep Safe Adventure Show staring Ditto the official Braveheart mascot and Kay Smith on Friday as it tours throughout Cairns. Picture Emily Barker.

“The work Bravehearts is doing is really important,” she said.

“The show teaches children about consent and how to know when something unsafe is happening.”

Performers use positive techniques such as song and mascots to deliver the show’s core messages to the young audience.

“The show provides personal safety education to children and it does it in a way that is age appropriate and uses language that children understand,” said Bravehearts National Education Operations Manager Emma Petherick.

Ms Petherick said combating child sexual abuse relied on educating and empowering adults as well as children, particularly with regard to communicating about child abuse.

Kindy Students from Pelicans Early Learning and Childcare Centre interact with Bravehearts Ditto’s Keep Safe Adventure Show on Friday as it tours throughout Cairns. Picture Emily Barker.

“Child sexual abuse is something that is difficult for a lot of people to talk about. The show uses language that parents can use to start and continue the conversation not just about child sexual abuse but also bullying, domestic violence, about any kind of time a child is in a situation where they feel safe or unsure.

“Shame and secrecy is a massive part of child sexual abuse. The average survivor doesn’t disclose for 20 years. The show removes that taboo so that if you feel unsafe you can tell someone.”

Ms Petherick said children had previously disclosed incidents of abuse after seeing the show. She said Bravehearts can help parents or other carers in communicating with their children about this.

“If you’re struggling you can reach out to our support lines on how to start and continue those conversations.

Narelle Spence, facilitator and Ditto from Bravehearts with Edge Hill State School students in 2018. PICTURE: JUSTIN BRIERTY.

“It’s really important for children to have a safe adult that they know they can go to and be listened to.

“It can happen to any child. There is no demographic or socio-economic status where a child is immune from this crime.

Ms Petherick said adults need to be aware they may be the “safe adult” for children other than their own, as a child may seek refuge in their aunties, uncles or best friend’s parents, for example.

“The community as a whole needs to be responsible so that children in their community are safe.”

Ms Rocha is the “child protection champion” at her childcare centre and said she leads her team in ongoing training and monthly focused discussions to ensure everyone is aware of

their obligations.

“It is important for us as educators to take the time to reflect and recognise what we are being asked to do in relation to reporting and supporting,” she said.

“Our educators must be educated and empowered before we can educate our children.”

Originally published as Bravehearts delivers education show to 1000th Cairns Child at Pelicans childcare centre