Child protection charity Bravehearts is celebrating a monumental milestone, with its Ditto’s Keep Safe Adventure Show having reached its millionth child.
Thirteen years after Ditto first shared his personal safety message with Aussie youngsters, the
famous lion club has achieved the once unthinkable by presenting the now iconic live show to more
than 1 million children.
Aimed at children aged 3 to 8, Ditto’s Keep Safe Adventure Show is delivered in early learning
centres and lower primary schools and uses age appropriate language, song and dance to teach
children essential personal safety skills and knowledge.
Bravehearts founder Hetty Johnston said Ditto’s remarkable effort to reach one million children was
one of the organisation’s greatest legacies.
“When Ditto walked on to that first stage in 2006, we never dreamed that we would be one day
reflecting on him sharing his message with 1 million youngsters,” said Ms Johnston, who founded
Bravehearts in 1997.
“At the time we were desperate to find a fun and interactive way to empower and protect children
and our little lion club with a big heart has allowed us to do just that.
“It’s overwhelming to think that more than a million Australian children have sung and danced along
with Ditto, but it’s even more emotional knowing they have walked away from his shows with the
tools to help them recognise unsafe scenarios and what to do to gain assistance.
“Ditto has helped changed young lives for the better and will continue to do long into the future.”
Independent evaluation suggests the principles embedded in Ditto’s Keep Safe Adventure Show can
help increase resilience and reduce the risk of child sexual assault, as well as other forms of abuse
including family violence and bullying.
“Child sexual assault is a difficult topic for adults to discuss, let alone children, and that’s why
parents and educators are so appreciative of Ditto’s Keep Safe Adventure Show,” Ms Johnston said.
“By providing age-appropriate information around body ownership and the right to be safe from an
early age, these messages become part of a child’s everyday language and give them the confidence
to speak up when something doesn’t feel right.
“One of the main aims of the show is to encourage young children to realise it is OK to ask for help
when they feel unsafe or unsure and to not give up if they can’t find help the first time they try.”
Delivered by experienced facilitators, Ditto’s Keep Safe Adventure Show runs for 30-40 minutes, with
shorter shows for younger children.