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Small ways to teach babies and toddlers body safety and consent in early learning

In early childhood education and care (ECEC), the concept of consent is often misunderstood as something too advanced for babies and toddlers. Yet, foundational learning around body safety, agency and respectful relationships begins in the earliest months of life, and early learning settings are uniquely placed to nurture it.

Small ways to teach babies and toddlers body safety and consent in early learning
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Fiona Alston
Dec 15, 2025

In early childhood education and care (ECEC), the concept of consent is often misunderstood as something too advanced for babies and toddlers. Yet, foundational learning around body safety, agency and respectful relationships begins in the earliest months of life, and early learning settings are uniquely placed to nurture it.

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