Criminology professor Danielle Harris shares tips to help protect vulnerable children in childcare
It’s never too early to begin teaching children about body autonomy and consent, says this professor in criminology. But there’s one big thing many parents do wrong.
Recent media reporting has exposed the extent to which sexual abuse is occurring in Australia’s childcare sector.
Fear is a totally normal reaction for parents and caregivers, but a few simple tips can help protect your child from abuse.
There are many urgent reforms necessary in the broken early childhood education and care (ECEC) system, including stronger oversight, consistent national standards and an adequately resourced reporting scheme (for lower-level concerns).
But while we wait for those necessary and long-term changes, it is important to remember that much child sexual abuse is detectable and preventable — it just requires us to lean into uncomfortable territory.
Children can understand language long before they can speak.
They learn to communicate non-verbally through gestures and expressions.
This means that it is never too early to begin teaching body autonomy, consent, and safety.
Here are some practical steps that parents and caregivers can take immediately, to help protect the children in their lives — even before they can talk.
Use correct anatomical language
Parents often prefer “baby talk” and hesitate to use words like “penis” or “vagina” with very young children.
Teaching the correct anatomical terms is a vital step in normalising talking about the body and reducing shame.
It also enables kids to communicate clearly if something inappropriate occurs.
Narrate and explain touch
Touch is a key part of infant and toddler care during bathing, dressing, or changing nappies.
Narrating these normal interactions with simple, direct words can help a child understand what respectful and necessary touch looks like.
For example: “I’m going to change your nappy now. We only touch your bottom when we need to clean it.”
Over time, this will help children recognise when something feels different or inappropriate.
Model consent from the beginning
Even preverbal children can understand consent and give non-verbal cues about their feelings.
Before tickling or cuddling you can ask: “Would you like a cuddle?” or “Do you want to play tickles?”
Pay attention to their reactions.
A smile can indicate enthusiasm, but if they push away, or turn their head, respect those signals.
This will help children learn that their body signals matter and will be respected.
Avoid forcing affection
Allow children to decide how and to whom they show affection.
It is easy to say, “Oh, go ahead, give grandad a kiss!” but this sends a confusing message that politeness overrides comfort and safety.
Never force a child to show affection.
Recognise non-verbal signs of distress
Preverbal children communicate through gestures and behaviour.
Sudden changes in sleep, appetite, toileting, mood, or personality can signal distress or discomfort.
Attuned caregivers can often detect problems early by observing and responding to these cues.
Teaching body safety doesn’t mean teaching fear — it is about building confidence, trust, and autonomy.
The most effective prevention (of the rare and scary things) happens through tiny and repeated everyday interactions that reinforce respect and open communication.
While system-level reform is essential, parents and caregivers provide an important and effective line of protection against institutional child sexual abuse.
It might not be easy, but it’s free, and it’s never too early to start.
* Danielle Harris is Associate Professor of Criminology and Criminal justice at Griffith University
Do you have a childcare story to expose? Email us confidentially at education@news.com.au
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Originally published as Criminology professor Danielle Harris shares tips to help protect vulnerable children in childcare
