Next week (3-9 September), is National Child Protection Week. This week is all about making sure every child in Australia is safe, happy, and well taken care of. It's a time for everyone to come together and learn how we can protect and support children in our communities.

What is National Child Protection Week?

National Child Protection Week is a week-long event held every year to raise awareness about the importance of keeping children safe. The overarching message this year is 'Every child in every community needs a fair go.' This message is complemented with the theme 'Where we start matters.' This message captures the essence of National Child Protection Week which aims to promote a safe and supported life for every child, now and into the future. 

• Where we start our lives in terms of where we live, the resources available to us, and the opportunities presented to us make a significant difference to our life outcomes.
• Where we start as a service sector in offering children and their families support and assistance makes a significant difference to life outcomes.
• Where we start as decision makers in addressing large complex policy problems such as child abuse and neglect, also has a significant personal, social and economic outcomes.

Of course where we start isn’t where we finish.

Why is Child Protection Important?

Child protection is all about making sure that children are safe from harm and can grow up in a loving and caring environment. Sometimes, children might face difficult situations, and it's important for everyone to know how to recognise and respond to those situations. By learning about child protection, we can all work together to create a safer and happier world for kids.

How Can We Get Involved?

There are many ways to be a part of National Child Protection Week:

1. Learn and Talk: Parents and teachers can talk to kids about their rights, personal boundaries, and how to ask for help if they need it. Remember, it's important to listen to children and believe them when they share their feelings or concerns.

2. Educate: Teachers will provide special lessons about child protection, where they teach students how to recognise and respond to unsafe situations. Parents can also have discussions at home about safety and appropriate behaviour.

3. Community Events: Many communities organise events during this week to promote child protection. These might include workshops, seminars, and activities that help kids and grown-ups learn how to keep children safe.

4. Spread the Word: Children can create posters, drawings, or messages that raise awareness about child protection. Share these with your friends, family, and classmates to remind everyone about the importance of keeping children safe.

5. Support Organisations: There are organisations that work year-round to protect children. You can learn about them and support their efforts by volunteering or donating.

Let's Keep Kids Safe Together!

Australian National Child Protection Week is a wonderful opportunity for us all to learn, share, and make a positive difference in the lives of children. Remember, we all have a role to play in protecting and nurturing our young ones. By coming together, we can create a safer and brighter future for all children in Australia.

Let's work hand in hand to put children first, not only during this week but every day of the year!

Support your child in their learning!