Little Matters
Raising a future free from child sexual abuse
Be loud and proud about your Little Matters. The more visible they are, the stronger and safer we become.
Small, everyday actions that help families thrive and keep kids safer
Little Matters are the small, everyday codes, tikanga, and habits that help keep tamariki safer today and raise a future free from child sexual abuse.
Little Matters helps families take small, doable actions that build clarity, respect, and connection.
Sexual harm can grow from society’s silence, shame, and harmful everyday attitudes and behaviours. So, change can start in everyday life as well.
Each action may feel small. But together, they help keep kids safer now and support healthier relationships in their futures.
Many families already do some of these things. Little Matters gives them a shared name we can all use, and highlights 10 examples we can start with.
The 10 Little Matters
There are many family codes or tikanga that keep us safe, connected, and thriving. We’ve highlighted 10 as a starting point. They were created with parents and are backed by prevention experts.
Little Matter #01: No Secrets
Some families have a code. No secrets. Because people who sexually abuse use secrets to trap people into being silent.
Little Matter #02: Real Words
Say anus or vulva like we say elbow. No shame or confusion, people who sexually abuse use shame to trap kids into being silent.
Little Matter #03: Real Talk
If kids are asking, it’s a sign they’re ready to know something. They can learn in the playground, from a song on the radio... or from home. When we give simple, honest answers, age appropriate of course, it builds trust and shows them home is where we have real talk.
Little Matter #04: Protect Tapu
Everyone’s body is tapu and deserves care. No one’s allowed to touch people in ways that make them feel uncomfortable.
Little Matter #05: Respect Mana
Every child is born with mana. A right to stand tall, be respected, and to choose. You gain mana by respecting other people’s mana.
Little Matter #06: Respect Online
Online is real life, with real good and real harm. So, take an interest in what the kids like, help them to treat people kindly, and if people act weird, talk about it together. That’s how we make it safer.
Little Matter #07: Feeling Heard
Kids can ask heaps of questions, it can get annoying. But knowing they feel safe to ask, and that their voice matters? It’s priceless.
Little Matter #08: Owning Mistakes
We can all do wrong. If we get called out on it, we can listen and do better. We don’t need to lose it or get defensive.
Little Matter #09: Learning Feelings
It’s important to learn our feelings. Worried, excited, mad? Name it. Talk about it. Because when we can name our feelings, it’s easier to tell when something feels wrong. And we can ALL be both soft AND strong. Boys, girls, everyone. No one needs to bottle things up.
Little Matter #10: Little & Often
It’s not about big serious sit-downs with the kids. It’s about the little everyday stuff. It’s listening to them. It’s about spotting those openings, like a funny look or a question when they see something that upsets them or makes them curious. And, it’s about casual check-ins in the car, at the beach, or going for a walk.
How to get started
- Pick one ‘Little Matter’ that feels right for your whānau and adapt it to suit.
- Practise together. Model it, praise it, keep it simple, and low pressure.
- Keep kōrero going. Short chats often work best.
- Add another ‘Little Matter’ when your whānau is ready.
- Share your Little Matters in ways that feel right for your family or whānau. The more visible your Little Matters are, the stronger and safer we become.
Need support?
If you or someone you love needs help, you’re not alone.
If you’re in immediate danger:
Call 111
Safe to talk – Sexual harm helpline (24/7, free, confidential):
Call, text, or webchat. They’ll listen, support you, and connect you to local services if you want.
Call 0800 044 334
Text 4334
Webchat at saftetotalk.nz