NSPCC and Aardman partner for mobile game to protect kids from sexual abuse
Playtime with Pantosaurus teaches children how to keep themselves safe as part of wider PANTS campaign
The NSPCC has partnered with renowned studio Aardman to produce a new mobile game to help keep children safe from sexual abuse. Playtime with Pantosaurus features four fun mini games where players can test their skills against Pantosaurus and his friends whilst learning the PANTS rule to keep themselves safe.
Children can select from three characters that each challenge Pantosaurus on the basketball court or in the diving pool to earn points and win prizes!
Each of the playable characters is customisable with their own outfits and styles, with further accessories and outfits available to unlock as children progress through the game.
In between each level children are quizzed on the PANTS rule to help reinforce their understanding of how to stay safe.
The charity is aiming to challenge this belief through the PANTS campaign and have also released a new advert titled 'There's something you need to tell me' which aims to inform parents that talking PANTS is 'easy, not scary, but important'.
Jen Little, Digital Lead Producer from the NSPCC said: "Playtime with Pantosaurus" can help parents begin to talk PANTS with their children to keep them safe from sexual abuse.
Children play games with Pantosaurus and learn about staying safe at the same time. The game acts as an ice-breaker, and helps parents' kick-start awkward conversations in a fun and friendly way."
Lorna Probert, Head of Interactive Production at Aardman added: "We are proud to have been able to work with the NSPCC to create this valuable resource for children and their parents. We are great believers in the power of game play and interactivity to stimulate discussion and to reinforce learning, particularly for young audiences."
"Developing the Pantosaurus concept into a game has enabled us to offer families a safe and nurturing environment within which to engage more deeply with this sensitive but important subject."
The game is available on iOS and Android stores as a free download.