Safe body language

Using body language

Using body language (eye contact, posture, touch, facial expressions) can be a good way of letting someone know you are interested in them or are feeling confident in a situation. As everyone's experience is different, there are a number of things you may want to consider:

Personal space - Everyone is different when it comes to feeling comfortable with the amount of space left between themselves and someone else. Generally speaking, the closer you stand to someone the more intimate the relationship.

It is a good idea to be aware of your personal space and if you don't feel comfortable with the distance left between you and someone else, it may help to step back a little. Being aware of the reactions of someone else is also important.

Touch - In some situations it may be appropriate to touch someone as a sign of comfort, interest, or friendship.

Be careful touching someone you don't know very well.

If you're wanting to offer your support or letting someone know you are interested, putting your hand on their shoulder or arm may be appropriate.

It may be helpful to remember that the less you know about someone's experience, the harder it is to gauge whether it is appropriate to touch them.

What can I do if I don't feel safe?

If you feel uneasy about how someone is talking to you or behaving towards you, it is a good idea to let someone know what is going on. This may be a friend, family member, teacher or the police. You can read more about how these people can help you in the Who can help you section on the left side of the page.

Talking to someone can help you to work out how best to manage the situation.

Remember that the police are available 24 hours. Call 000 if you are in an emergency and/or find your local police station through the Telstra White Pages

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (free from landline) and Lifeline 13 11 14 (cost of local call from landline) also have counsellors available 24 hours if you need to speak to someone.