Playing together includes the right to stop
A child who joined a game can change their mind. “I do not want to play,” a head shake, or moving away are reasons to pause and check. A refusal does not have to wait for anger or injury.
Answer with your body: bring your hands back, stop chasing, and step away. Saying “okay” while continuing to pull, tickle or chase is not stopping. Do not tell someone they cannot take a joke to pressure them into unwanted contact.
Practice a sentence and an action
In “Stop with your body,” watch the space between Orange and Blue grow. Making space lets Blue choose to stay, leave or seek help. The final choice changes the response in the picture.
Practice with a parent or teacher: “Okay, I will stop.” Then try a fresh invitation: “Would you like to pass the ball?” “Not right now” is a complete answer.
For adults watching together
This is a fictional scenario, not a dangerous action for children to reenact. Avoid labeling a child as bad. Do not require the child who was affected to shake hands, hug or resume the game immediately. Respect is demonstrated through changed behavior.
If grabbing, chasing, threats or unwanted contact continue, a child can move somewhere safe and tell a trusted teacher or parent. Harm is not the child’s fault. Being unable to say no immediately does not mean consent. If help does not come, keep asking another trusted adult. Adults are responsible for stopping harm.
Sources: UNICEF on bullying and Public Safety Canada’s guidance for children aged 4–11.