THE number of reported sex offences against children aged four to eight increased in Dorset, according to police figures.

The data was requested by NSPCC through a Freedom of Information request, which was made as the children’s charity relaunches its Talk PANTS campaign this half term.

In 2016/17, there were 48 reported sex offences against children aged four to eight, a 20 per cent increase from 2015/16.

The highest number of offences were against children aged six and four, with 17 and 13 offences recorded for each age respectively.

Across England and Wales, there were 6,613 recorded sexual offences against children aged four to eight in 2016/17, according to figures obtained by the NSPCC.

The charity’s PANTS campaign was launched at AFC Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium and Dorset County Museum earlier this summer.

The Dorset Local Children’s Safeguarding Board and the Bournemouth & Poole Local Safeguarding Children’s Board partnered with the NSPCC to run the campaign.

It features Pantosaurus, an animated dinosaur, which helps parents with children aged eight and under to have the vital conversation about staying safe from sexual abuse, by teaching them important messages such as their privates are private.

Peter Wanless, chief executive of the NSPCC, said: “We know that lots of parents have already used Talk PANTS to speak to their children about the dangers they may face from sexual abuse as they grow up, both in the online and offline world.

“However, the figures we have revealed today show that we all need to do more to help young children learn how to stay safe from sexual abuse. These conversations should be as normal as teaching them to cross the road.”

Research conducted by the NSPCC found many parents were worried that talking to their young children about sexual abuse would be scary and confusing for them.

To combat the issue the NSPCC has created a catchy song and activity pack – with cartoon dinosaur Pantosaurus – which don’t mention the words sex or abuse so it is easier for parents to tackle the sensitive subject.

The charity has also produced a video which shows other young children using the PANTS activities.

As part of the campaign in Dorset, the issue is being tackled through workshops with teachers, early years staff, health workers and other professionals raising awareness of sexual abuse. The workshops are helping them promote the PANTS preventative messages and respond effectively to any child sexual abuse disclosures or concerns that may be raised by children, families or staff members.

The free briefing sessions have been funded by a grant from the Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner and help professionals feel confident to talk to parents and carers about starting conversations with their children about sexual abuse at an early age, in an age-appropriate way.

Donna-Marie Wright, a mum to seven children, said: “I think Talk PANTS is a brilliant concept because having been abused myself as a child, I wanted to talk to my children about staying safe from sexual abuse, especially the younger ones (aged 4 and 5) because they don’t really understand.

“It’s a fun way to engage the kids, and the PANTS activities are done in a non-invasive way – there is no talk of sex. As soon as they are old enough to understand, it is a conversation all parents should have with their children.”

Parents and children can sing along with Pantosaurus, who explains each letter of PANTS:

P – Privates are private.

A – Always remember your body belongs to you.

N – No means no.

T – Talk about secrets that upset you.

S – Speak up, someone can help.

The charity also encourages parents to order a PANTS activity pack ahead of half term from their online shop. The pack contains word searches, games, stickers and a bookmark for a suggested donation of £5.

There are further PANTS briefings for professionals planned throughout October and November across the authorities of Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole. Anyone keen to find out more or book onto a session can contact Bournemouth and Poole Local Safeguarding Children’s Board on 01202 458873 or visit the Bournemouth and Poole LSCB website.