AFC Bournemouth’s fans will get their first glimpse of new-signing Pantosaurus on Saturday at Vitality Stadium for his matchday debut.
The popular pants-wearing dinosaur is a mascot for the PANTS campaign and is set to team up with the Cherries for their home clash with high-flying Manchester City.
Eddie Howe’s latest addition, Pantosaurus, is aiming to raise awareness to families on how to keep children safe from abuse, by giving them a simple way to talk about it.
Talking to your child about abuse is as important as chatting to them about crossing the road safely.
It’s easier than you may think – just remember to use the ‘Underwear Rule’:
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 campaign kicked-off at the home of AFC Bournemouth in 2018 after the NSPCC teamed up with local safeguarding services, and the club has continued to #TalkPANTS.
During the fixture, the yellow dinosaur hopes to be a quick hit with the supporters, linking up with club mascot Cherry Bear to entertain the crowds.
The duo look set to become a potent partnership for the Premier League side, as they work together handing out PANTS resources to people throughout the afternoon.
The campaign has its own song, which you can find on the NSPCC website, or through ‘Amazon Alexa skill’, which enables your child to listen to the song and encourage them to #TalkPANTS.
One mum, Carol, says she feels like a ‘better parent’ after she talked PANTS with her six-year-old daughter Mabel.
Read more of her story and how she benefited from the programme here.
Pantosaurus will be joined by trained professionals at the match, who will be offering tips to mums and dads on how they can break the ice and start simple conversations with their children about keeping safe without having to use scary words.
Recently, the campaign received a funding boost from the Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset who is supporting the local safeguarding children’s boards to raise awareness of, and improve responses to, child sexual abuse.
Parents can download the Pantosaurus app for their children, and can visit the NSPCC’s website for more information on the campaign.
If anyone has concerns about the safety of a child they can contact the NSPCC Helpline for free and confidential advice on 0808 800 5000 or nspcc.org.uk. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk at any time of the day or night.
