NSPCC’s Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week Highlights Positive Feedback

October 6, 2023 

From October 2 -6, the NSPCC’s Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) - the UK’s leading child protection charity - ran Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week. During the week, parents were encouraged to recognize how negative behavior at sporting events and activities can impact children. The campaign runs year-round, with the focus awareness week in October bringing together parents, sports clubs and activity providers to highlight the important role parents and carers play in keeping children safe when they’re taking part in sports.

This year was focused on getting more parents and caregivers involved in supporting children’s sporting journeys by increasing positive feedback. Positive feedback greatly influences how a child perceives their ability, enjoys the sport and feels motivated to continue participating in sport. Additionally, the initiative provided safeguarding resources about safety policies and procedures so that parents and carers feel comfortable and confident in their ability to challenge or raise any concerns at sports clubs.

According to a new NSPCC survey, more than one in four parents who attend their child’s sports club or activities say they have seen or experienced inappropriate behavior. This includes shouted insults, intimidating or threatening behavior, or fights between parents, guardians, carers or children. A YouGov poll, commissioned by the CPSU, also found that 68% of these parents said they or their children or both had felt uncomfortable because of it. Almost one in five parents said no action had been taken to stop it. 

“Being your child’s biggest supporter can help instill in them a lifelong love of sport and help them build friendships and confidence. It can also help you learn about what makes a club safe and how to spot signs something may be wrong,” said Sir Peter Wanless, Managing Director of NSPCC to the Daily Express. 

The charity’s campaign was supported by sports clubs and stars across the UK including Sunderland AFC, Liverpool FC, Everton FC, Leeds United, Birmingham City, Volleyball England and England football legend Alan Shearer. “All parents should feel they are equipped with the information that they need so that their kids can be with a safe sports club where their kids are having fun,” said Skateboarder Sky Brown, the youngest British Olympian at 15 years old. “Having my family with me is really important to me on my journey. My dad and my brother are always by my side and mum makes me feel at home when we are on the road and cooks the best food.” 

The NSPCC recognizes that children enjoy sport and activities the most when their parents are engaged in what they do, whether it is postgame support and cheerleading or showing an interest in the rules of the game. The charity also launched a new video exploring the importance of sideline behavior in sports. Called ‘My No.1 Fan’, the short film features families talking about what positive parental behavior and support means to them and how negativity can impact their children’s enjoyment of sport. 

The CPSU was founded in 2001 in response to a series of high-profile cases of abuse of youth athletes. It is funded by Sport England, Sport Northern Ireland, Sport Wales, UK Sport and The Football Association which are working to improve safeguarding and child protection practices within sport organizations and at home. In 2017, the NSPCC launched Close the Loophole – a campaign dedicated to extending the law that makes it illegal for sports coaches, teachers, carers, volunteers and youth group leaders to have sexual relations with 16- and 17-year-old youths (in the UK the age of consent is 16). This followed the 2016 football abuse scandal, which highlighted how adults used their positions of authority in sports settings to abuse young people. The government has since acted, and the Positions of Trust law now protects 16 and 17-year-olds from potential abuse in sporting environments.

Source: NSPCC