Day For Daniel A Call To Action For Child Safety

This week, Australians will come together for Day for Daniel, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about child safety in memory of Daniel Morcombe. Held on the last Friday of October each year, this national day of action invites communities to Wear Red, Educate, and Donate in support of the Daniel Morcombe Foundation, which continues to drive critical efforts to protect children from harm and prevent tragedies like Daniel’s.
Daniel Morcombe was just 13 years old when he disappeared on 7 December 2003, a day that irreparably changed the lives of his family and shook the entire country. Daniel had set off from his family’s home on the Sunshine Coast to catch a bus and buy Christmas presents, but he never returned. The search for Daniel became one of the largest in Australian history, with years of uncertainty and heartache following his disappearance. It wasn’t until 11 years later that the man responsible for Daniel’s abduction and murder was brought to justice, a resolution that came too late for the Morcombe family but brought closure to a case that had captured the attention of the nation.
In the wake of this devastating loss, Daniel’s parents, Bruce and Denise Morcombe, channelled their grief into action, founding the Daniel Morcombe Foundation in 2005. The foundation was established with a clear purpose: to educate children about personal safety, prevent future tragedies, and support young victims of crime. Today, it is one of the most significant organisations dedicated to child safety in Australia.
Day for Daniel is not only a day of remembrance but also a call to action. Schools, parents, carers, and communities are urged to talk to children about personal safety, teaching them how to recognise potential dangers and protect themselves. The foundation provides free educational resources to schools and parents, helping ensure that these crucial conversations happen in homes and classrooms across the country.
This day also serves as the Daniel Morcombe Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser. Donations from the public directly support the foundation’s ongoing work, including the development of child safety programs, educational materials, and support services for young victims of crime. Funds raised ensure that these resources remain free and accessible, empowering more children and families with the knowledge they need to stay safe.
Day for Daniel also includes the annual Walk for Daniel, a powerful demonstration of solidarity. Thousands of people, dressed in red to symbolise Daniel’s memory, participate in walks nationwide, a reminder of the community’s commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of society. These walks, and the sea of red that accompanies them, have become an enduring image of Daniel’s legacy.
The tragic story of Daniel Morcombe is one that will never be forgotten, and Day for Daniel ensures that his memory continues to drive positive change. The safety of children remains a top priority, and through education, awareness, and ongoing support, the Daniel Morcombe Foundation aims to ensure that no other family endures the suffering that Daniel’s family has faced.

Empowering Kids To Recognise, React, And Report

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The Daniel Morcombe Foundation’s 3 R’s for Safety—Recognise, React, and Report—are core principles designed to empower children with essential life skills for staying safe in various situations. These simple steps, taught in classrooms across Australia, are part of the Foundation’s mission to equip young people with the knowledge they need to protect themselves.
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Recognise
The first step, Recognise, encourages children to be alert to their surroundings. This includes environmental cues like alarms, hazard signs, or unusual smells, and also body cues, such as goosebumps or a racing heart. Lessons teach children that if something doesn’t feel right, it’s important to trust their instincts. This extends to recognising inappropriate behaviour, particularly related to private body parts. The use of proper anatomical terms like "penis" and "vagina" removes confusion and shame, helping children feel confident to speak out if boundaries are crossed.
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React
Once children recognise an unsafe situation, knowing how to React is vital. This involves problem-solving strategies for real-life scenarios, such as saying "No" to inappropriate touch or running from danger. They also learn that in certain situations, breaking rules—like crossing the street outside a crosswalk to avoid danger—might be necessary to ensure their safety. The goal is to instil quick, practical reactions to threats, helping children understand that their safety comes first, even if it means doing something unusual.
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Report
The final step, Report, highlights the importance of telling a trusted adult about any unsafe incident. Children are encouraged to identify several “safety helpers” they can approach, whether family members, teachers, or friends outside their immediate home. Whether dealing with unsafe physical environments or reporting inappropriate online interactions, children are taught to persevere in seeking help until their concerns are addressed.
By embedding these 3 R’s in everyday interactions, both at school and at home, parents, carers, and educators can play a critical role in helping children build the skills they need to stay safe in an ever-changing world.

Wobbly Jelly – A New Safety Resource
To further support child safety education, the Daniel Morcombe Foundation is launching its first digital children’s book, Wobbly Jelly, on Day for Daniel, Friday 25 October. This engaging story about a curious cat learning how to stay safe introduces children aged 3-6 to the 3 R’s of Recognise, React, and Report. Wobbly Jelly explores body clues and safety cues, helping young readers understand how to identify and react to danger. The book will be available for free download from the Foundation’s website, offering families a valuable tool to discuss safety with their children in a fun and accessible way.

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