When six-year-old Bella experienced the Life Ed Qld program at her school recently, she learned vital concepts that continue to have a positive impact at home and in her community.
The Year 1 student and her classmates took part in Safe Kids Safe Bodies, a session from Life Ed’s innovative Talk About It program.
The session teaches children in an age-appropriate way to understand key concepts including:
Teaching children about body rights and consent helps them understand their bodily autonomy, build self-confidence and recognise and report harm.
This education empowers young people to set boundaries, trust their instincts and develop healthy relationships. By teaching children to say “no” to unwanted touch and trust their feelings, we equip them to navigate the world more safely – fostering a future free from violence and abuse.
Bella’s mum Aimee says the Talk About It session taught her daughter that she gets to choose what she does with her body – “my body, my rules”.
“I noticed that Bella now takes control and speaks up about what she is and isn’t comfortable with,” Aimee says.
“She’s more confident when speaking to others. For example, she will assert her right not to be hugged at certain times and shows courtesy for other people’s boundaries by asking first if it’s okay to hug them.”
These might sound like simple ideas, but they help lay an important foundation – giving young people confidence, knowledge and strategies that grow as they develop.
“I’m amazed at how articulate she is now with her communication, and knowing she has a safe space, has helped her really grow. I love how confident she is,” Aimee says.
Aimee echoed what many parents share after their children participate in Life Ed at their school: the sessions spark further conversations at home about important topics, in this case, consent, body rights and safe versus unsafe situations.
“The program really did stick in her mind. There was a song and slogans she kept repeating from the session. They helped reinforce the messages about body autonomy in a fun but memorable way.”
Aimee says she’s grateful that Bella and older brother Zach, 8, are experiencing the Life Ed program during their school journey, supporting their physical and emotional development with vital learning.
“This education isn’t usually covered in the regular curriculum, and yet it’s so important for children’s holistic growth.
“It gives them a voice and a safe space to know they can speak up and talk freely about how they are feeling.”
