Leading U.K. children’s charity NSPCC has called on the Aardman animators to help parents get talking to their children about sexual abuse with a new animated short. Launching in cinemas across the country Friday, July 29, is a 30-second spot featuring the “voice of X Factor” Peter Dickson, which will encourage parents to view the full version of the animation, which stars dinosaur characters explaining to kids how to stay safe.
Talk PANTS with Pantosaurus is produced as part of NSPCC’s “PANTS” campaign, which has already helped over 400,000 parents talk to their children about sexual abuse since it launched three years ago. The campaign has also lead to one conviction and a number of other disclosures of abuse from children. The film is designed for kids ages 4-8, as talking to children about staying safe is most effective when taught at a young age.
Last year a total of 10,757 offences against children under 10 were reported to police in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The NSPCC worked with Aardman Animations and music production company Adelphoi Music to create the animation and song which features underpants-clad dino Pantosaurus. Talk 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 feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
“Humor, animation and music are a great way of making it less awkward for parents and young children to talk about this very difficult subject,” notes Aardman executive producer Heather Wright. “The song has definite ‘earworm’ potential and I’m sure children will find it funny and memorable which will in turn give them the language they need to use to protect themselves.”
The full version of Talk PANTS with Pantosaurus is available online at nspcc.org.uk/pants
