Campaign to help parents make children aware of dangers of abuse A charity has launched a campaign to help parents talk to their children about the dangers of sexual abuse. The NSPCC says parents should use its "underwear rule," which allows them to explain the boundaries in an age-appropriate way. It hopes the system will become as established a part of raising children as the green cross code. Figures show four out of five Scots believe parents should be responsible for warning young children of the dangers, but only 48% have actually done so. The underwear rule uses the acronym Pants to explain to children what they should be aware of. The letters stand for Privates are private; Always remember your body belongs to you; No means no; Talk about secrets that upset you; Speak up, someone can help. Matt Forde, head of service at NSPCC Scotland, said: "In our experience most parents in Scotland know that the greatest risk of abuse to their children will come from closer to home, than a celebrity. But parents have told us they lack confidence in approaching this important but difficult issue. The underwear rule is an easy age-appropriate way for parents to make sure children speak up if something happens. It's easier to talk about than you may think and you don't have to mention abuse or sex at all. From an early age parents will talk to their children about the green cross code, stranger danger and eating your greens. If the underwear rule can become just as well known to children, we can stop abuse early, or even before it starts. A quick conversation can make a big difference. Lynn, a parent of two boys, aged nine and 10, from Dunblane, said: "I've spoken to my boys about stranger danger and about staying safe online, but have never really explained why it's important. As a parent you want to be really careful about what you are saying and how you are saying it, in case your children pick it up differently, or say it differently to another child in the playground. The underwear rule is really straightforward and easy to understand. The materials give you all the information and prompts you need to talk to your children. I definitely feel more confident about knowing where to start the conversation. Tam Baillie, Scotland's Commissioner for Children and Young People, said: "The simple messages in the NSPCC underwear rule can be used by parents and carers to raise these difficult issues in a way which children can understand. These messages will hopefully help the children recognise danger signs when the rules are not being followed and if necessary, give them the confidence to speak to someone they trust. That is why it is so important for parents and carers to have the confidence to talk to their children in ways that help them to keep safe.