G8 Education implements Learn to be Safe program so centres and  families across Australia can work together to keep children safe 

Families praise G8 Education’s national rollout of evidence-based protective behaviours program after seeing positive changes in their children.

G8 Education’s Australia-wide rollout of Act for Kids’ Learn to Be Safe with Emmy and Friends program is being taught to almost 30,000 children, with parents reporting more confidence, communication and understanding of body safety in their children.

Brisbane mother, Jennifer, said her three‑year‑old son has shown increased confidence since the program was introduced at The Learning Sanctuary, which is one of G8 Education’s 350 early learning centres now delivering the evidence‑based curriculum.

Jennifer recently noticed that her son was speaking more about body safety and body autonomy when he was at home. 

“My son has been talking more openly at home about body safety, body autonomy and private parts,” Jennifer said. 

“He told us that he has ‘safe adults’, who are grown-ups that he can talk to about anything.”

Jennifer said the program has helped her son be able to express his feelings more clearly and understand his own boundaries. 

“In the last six months, he has really increased in confidence when it comes to body autonomy. He is now confident telling us what he feels comfortable with or how he wants to greet someone,” Jennifer explained. 

“We respect that, and we work out another way he can say hello or goodbye if he doesn’t want a kiss or a hug.”

Jennifer has always encouraged open conversations at home, but says the centre’s structured approach has deepened her son’s understanding of safety, consent and empathy.

“I noticed the changes in my son, and the centre let us know that they were teaching the Learn to Be Safe with Emmy and Friends body safety program which I thought was a fantastic idea. It is so important to start teaching those concepts to children really early,” Jennifer said.

“The educators have made it just a normal part of everyone’s day at the centre. It’s not a big deal, it’s just an important part of the children’s everyday learning.”

Jennifer believes the program should be essential for all early childhood education and care centres.

“I know that my son has enjoyed learning about body safety. I definitely feel it is so important that children are across this, and can articulate how they’re feeling and have adults they feel safe to talk to about anything,” Jennifer said. 

“You never know when your child might need to share some really important information with you. If children are given the tools to express themselves, that really is invaluable.”

Jennifer also praised the diversity represented in the Learn to Be Safe with Emmy and Friends program’s resources, noting that children can see themselves reflected in the characters and stories. “When I was looking through the resources, I liked that there’s diversity in the characters. This is what people look like, and this is reflective of our community,” Jennifer said. 

Perth family testimonial

A Perth mother whose two‑year‑old son attends a Great Beginnings centre has praised the impact of the body safety education being delivered in their centre, sharing a recent experience that highlighted how strongly her son has embraced what he has learned.

She said her mother took her son to the shops, when he began to wander ahead. After his grandmother asked him to hold her hand, her son declined in typical two‑year‑old fashion. A nearby man then reached out his hand and asked if he would like to hold his hand instead. 

“Without hesitation, my son ran straight back to my mum and said, ‘Nan, he’s not my safe person. I’ll hold Nan’s hand now.’”

She said she believes the interaction was innocent and well‑meaning, however it demonstrated the value of the Emmy and Friends program being taught at their centre.

“Later that day, I was able to talk with him about who his safe people are. He listed family members and several of the educators at Great Beginnings. I hadn’t used this language with him before, so it was clear the learning had come from the centre.”

She said knowing her son feels secure, supported and confident in identifying trusted adults gives her enormous reassurance.

“As a mum, I can’t express how grateful I am for the lessons he is learning at such a young age. I truly believe they are helping to protect and safeguard him. Hearing him name so many of the Great Beginnings educators as his ‘safe people’ was incredibly comforting.”

She said her family deeply appreciates the care and commitment shown by the team.

“From our family to all the educators who have played such an important role in educating and caring for him, thank you. It really doesn’t go unnoticed in our home,” said the mother. 

G8 Education’s Chief Quality and Safety Officer Ali Evans said: 

“Aligned with our value ‘Safety first and always’, G8 Education is proud to be implementing Act for Kids’ Emmy and Friends program in all centres across the country. It’s been really well received by our team members, families and children in our centres,” Ms Evans said. 

“We know that when children understand what safety is, recognise warning signs to look out for, know who they can turn to for help, and feel confident to speak up, it can make such a difference.  

“Our team members have embraced this training, and the feedback from our families has been incredible as they appreciate having clear, practical tools from experts to continue these conversations at home with their children.”

“Teaching children about protective behaviours is part of the curriculum and the child safety reforms. By equipping educators, families and children with the right resources, we are helping to build a community where children understand their rights, and one where we can all help to keep children safe.”

A national commitment to child safety and wellbeing

G8 Education has collaborated with Act for Kids to embed the Learn to Be Safe with Emmy and Friends program across 350 centres, ensuring close to 30,000 children have access to age‑appropriate lessons about body safety, consent, feelings, safe and unsafe situations, and identifying trusted adults. The program is delivered by trained educators and integrated seamlessly into daily routines, making safety education a normal and empowering part of early learning. 

The protective behaviours program includes extensive training for G8 Education’s Early Childhood Teachers, Educators and Centre team members, learning resources that can be accessed by Educators and families alike, a Learn to Be Safe book for all children enrolled in a G8 Education centre to take home, and songs, videos and animations. 

As part of the program, Act for Kids and G8 Education are also hosting a series of family webinars, which give parents the opportunity to ask leading child protection experts any questions about the program. 

The Learn to Be Safe with Emmy and Friends program rollout and embedment in G8 Education centres across Australia will continue throughout 2026, 2027 and beyond. 

For more information about the Learn to Be Safe with Emmy and Friends program, please visit: https://emmyandfriends.com.au/