Why we need to start a conversation about sex, relationships and safety
Talking openly about bodies, boundaries, consent, relationships and sexual development is an important part of supporting healthy sexual development and can help prevent problematic and harmful sexual behaviours.
For workers supporting children, young people and families, these conversations can build trust and identify questions or concerns early.
Giving children and young people access to clear and accurate information helps them understand what's healthy and make sense of things they’re seeing, hearing or experiencing. These conversations are not a single talk, but an ongoing process.
Open, ongoing conversations also help children and young people feel safe to ask questions and know there are trusted adults they can come to without shame or fear.
How this collection helps
It’s normal to feel uncertain or awkward when raising these topics. These resources are designed to help you build your confidence, with practical guidance, suggested wording and tips for different ages.
You can use the resources to:
increase your own comfort with these topics
practise how you would have these conversations
support parents and carers to have conversations at home.
Having conversations about sex and development
Explore a range of fact sheets, guides and conversation starters to talk with children and young people about sex, their developing bodies and relationships.
Browse resources by topic
Having conversations about online safety
The online behaviours of children and young people are just as important as what happens offline. Find practice guides for talking with children and families about supporting digital literacy, talking about pornography exposure, safe and appropriate use of apps and sharing of images.
Browse resources by topic
Tailored for specific communities
Resources developed for and with diverse communities to support culturally safe, inclusive and accessible approaches.
Browse resources by topic
More prevention resources
Your input matters
Know of something that should be included? Let us know
Tell us what you think, or suggest a resource, service or training opportunity.
Not a practitioner?
Parents and carers
If you’re a parent or carer seeking information or worrying about a behaviour, you're not alone. Find resources to help you understand child sexual development, support safety, and respond to concerns about sexual behaviour.
Children and young people
It’s normal to have questions about your body, feelings, sex and relationships. If you’re a young person looking for information – head here. We’ve got information just for you.