Books to Teach Protective Behaviours and Body Safety in the Early Years
- Kayelene Kerr Child Safety Expert
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
When it comes to teaching protective behaviours and body safety most adults know education matters, but far fewer feel confident about how to actually start the education and conversations. There's often hesitation, not because adults don’t care, but because they don’t know what to say, are afraid to say the wrong thing or introduce concepts too early.
When children are taught protective behaviours and body safety in age and developmentally appropriate ways, they are better equipped to recognise when something does not feel right and to seek help from a trusted adult. Early, consistent and intentional education and conversation matters, as do the tools we use to deliver this education.
The Ripple Effect of Books: Building protective factors that can last a lifetime.
At eSafeKids, we believe prevention education should start early, be age-appropriate and feel natural. One of the most effective ways to do that is through carefully chosen children’s books. Stories create a safe distance from real-life situations, allowing children to explore ideas, ask questions and build understanding without feeling scared, confronted or confused.
For parents, caregivers, educators and other professionals, books remove the pressure of having to find the perfect words, because the story becomes the starting point that invites curiosity and opens the door for meaningful and ongoing conversations.
Reading together allows children to:
Explore complex topics in a non-threatening way
Ask questions at their own pace
Relate concepts to familiar situations
Revisit ideas again and again
Develop knowledge and confidence through repetition, consistency and trusted relationships
The impact of a single book might seem small in the moment, but the ripple effect over time is significant.
Through our curated book resources, training and education, we aim to make child safety conversations feel accessible, practical and empowering, rather than overwhelming or out of reach. Because when adults know what to say and how to say it, children are better supported and better protected.
eSafeKids is Australia's one-stop-shop for child safety books and resources
If you know these conversations matter but still feel unsure where to begin, you are not alone. That is exactly why I have created Australia's one-stop-shop for child safety books.
The collection of child safety books has been carefully curated. Each resource is selected not only for its age-appropriateness, but for its ability to open up conversations that build protective behaviours over time.
Books & Resources to support Early Childhood Education and Care Services and Educators
If you’re an educator or service looking to strengthen your approach to protective behaviours, body safety and child safety in the early years, explore the full range of eSafeKids book resources here.
eSafeKids books and resources have been mapped to the Goodstart Early Learning Feel Safe, Be Safe Protective Strategies Learning Areas.
Feeling Safe & Being Safe
Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)
EYLF Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity
EYLF Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world
EYLF Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
EYLF Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners
EYLF Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators
National Quality Standard
Quality Area 1
Quality Area 2
Quality Area 3
Quality Area 5
Quality Area 6
Quality Area 7
National Principles
National Principle 2
Diversity, Inclusivity & Equality
Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)
EYLF Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity
EYLF Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world
EYLF Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
EYLF Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners
EYLF Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators
National Quality Standard
Quality Area 1
Quality Area 2
Quality Area 3
Quality Area 5
Quality Area 6
National Principles
National Principle 2
Trusted Adults, Seeking Help & Persistence
Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)
EYLF Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity
EYLF Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world
EYLF Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
EYLF Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners
EYLF Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators
National Quality Standard
Quality Area 1
Quality Area 2
Quality Area 5
Quality Area 6
National Principles
National Principle 2.3
Feelings, Emotions & Emotional Regulation
Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)
EYLF Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity
EYLF Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
EYLF Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners
EYLF Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators
National Quality Standard
Quality Area 1
Quality Area 2
Quality Area 5
Quality Area 6
National Principles
National Principle 2
Body Awareness & Body Clues
Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)
EYLF Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity
EYLF Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world
EYLF Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
EYLF Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners
EYLF Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators
National Quality Standard
Quality Area 1
Quality Area 2
Quality Area 5
Quality Area 6
National Principles
National Principle 2.3
Bodily Autonomy, Body Boundaries, Personal Space, Consent & Respect
Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)
EYLF Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity
EYLF Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world
EYLF Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
EYLF Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners
EYLF Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators
National Quality Standard
Quality Area 1
Quality Area 2
Quality Area 5
Quality Area 6
National Principles
National Principle 2.3
Body Safety
Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)
EYLF Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity
EYLF Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world
EYLF Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
EYLF Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners
EYLF Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators
National Quality Standard
Quality Area 1
Quality Area 2
Quality Area 5
Quality Area 6
National Principles
National Principle 2.3
Secrets & Surprises
Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)
EYLF Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity
EYLF Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world
EYLF Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
EYLF Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners
EYLF Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators
National Quality Standard
Quality Area 1
Quality Area 2
Quality Area 5
Quality Area 6
National Principles
National Principle 2.3
eSafety
Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)
EYLF Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity
EYLF Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world
EYLF Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
EYLF Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners
EYLF Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators
National Quality Standard
Quality Area 1
Quality Area 2
Quality Area 6
National Principles
National Principle 2.3
*** Please note, many of the above books have overlapping themes. ***
Professional Learning & Development
Protective Behaviours & Body Safety Early Childhood Education & Care
eSafeKids supports Early Childhood Education and Care services to embed Protective Behaviours & Body Safety education into everyday practice
Traditionally, early childhood education and care has approached safety through a child protection lens. This model is largely reactive, focusing on responding to harm after it has occurred. It is often centred on reporting obligations and compliance requirements. While this approach remains essential, on its own it can limit the sector’s ability to prevent harm before it happens.
In contrast, the eSafeKids approach is broader. embedding child safeguarding in a proactive and meaningful way. It focuses on prevention, creating environments where harm is less likely to occur in the first place and detected early if it does. Safeguarding is woven into everyday practice, organisational culture and leadership, rather than sitting solely within policies and procedures. Importantly, it recognises that keeping children safe is a shared responsibility across the entire service, not just individual staff members.
Participants will leave this comprehensive, evidence-based workshop with up-to-date information, practical strategies, conversation starters and supporting resources.
Recognising that effective protective behaviours and body safety education requires a collaborative approach between services and families, eSafeKids is committed to partnering with families and communities.
eSafeKids delivers workshops and webinars across metropolitan and regional Australia, as well as internationally. Learn more here.
eSafeKids Keeping Kids Safe Members' Community
Content to read, watch, listen to and download
Join the free eSafeKids online Members' Community. It has been created to support and inspire you in your home, school, organisation and/or community setting.
eSafeKids Self-Paced Course
Protective Behaviours & Body Safety
Learn more about this course here.
About Kayelene Kerr & eSafeKids
eSafeKids is a social enterprise founded by Kayelene Kerr. Kayelene is recognised as one of Australia’s most experienced specialist providers of Protective Behaviours, Body Safety, Cyber Safety, Digital Wellness and Pornography Literacy education workshops. Kayelene has featured on Australian and international television broadcasts, radio programs and in print media.
eSafeKids is Australia's one-stop-shop for child safety books and resources that support education, meaningful conversation and curriculum delivery. With over 60 books available, you're sure to find the perfect resource to support you.
eSafeKids books can support educators teaching protective behaviours, body safety and child abuse prevention education that aligns with the Western Australian Curriculum, Australian Curriculum, Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and National Quality Framework: National Quality Standards (NQS).
