Concerns over child safety in sport surge as NSPCC helpline sees 47% Rise in contacts
NSPCC is urging sports clubs and parents to back child safety campaign after sharp rise in concerns
Parents, carers and sports clubs across Lancashire are being urged to support the NSPCC’s Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport campaign, after a sharp rise in concerns reported to the charity’s Helpline.
New figures show the Helpline received 623 contacts from adults across the UK last year about a child’s welfare in a sports setting—a 47% increase on the previous year. The most common concerns were around sexual abuse or exploitation, emotional abuse and physical abuse.
The NSPCC also handled 135 contacts from sports professionals, including coaches, club staff and volunteers—more than three times the number received the year before. Of those, 61% related to concerns about a child’s parent or caregiver.
One parent told the Helpline:
“My 14-year-old daughter has told me about a dance teacher at her school who has been engaging in relationships with other pupils that I believe are inappropriate. Apparently, this teacher communicates with some of the girls over text and meets up with them outside of class.”
A rugby coach also shared concerns: “Tonight, I witnessed a parent push their child twice really hard in the chest. They then shouted at him aggressively, enough to make him cry.
Even before this incident, this boy was silent throughout training which is not like him. He looked like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders. As a person of trust, I have a duty of care to report this. I hope you can help.”
The NSPCC is encouraging parents to get involved in Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week this October. The campaign, run by the charity’s Child Protection in Sport Unit, aims to raise awareness of safeguarding in sports and promote positive behaviour from the sidelines.
Chris Dunn is from the NSPCC in the North West: "It has an impact and we know it has an impact. Children are reporting later in life that that the impact of the abuse that they are suffering or from the sidelines of the game or from parents before and after they partake in support, it's just too much for them.
"As a sports coach, you have a responsibility towards the young people that you're working with. You have an opportunity to be a support network for that young person, and if they aren't getting the support, they are at home, then it's really key that those sporting professionals, the coaches, the support staff, do support children and and speak out on their behalf."
Christian McMullan, NSPCC Professional Learning Services Director, said: “Our Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport resources are free, easy to access and use, and can help adults understand more about what role they can play in ensuring young people can enjoy their sport in safety.
It is vital that parents, carers, staff and volunteers not only know how to spot the signs that a child may be experiencing difficulties, but also what to do and who to speak to, so that a child can be supported.
Our campaign this year also aims to help build positive parental behaviour and equip and empower everyone who takes part to encourage and support children in sports activities, and to know where to turn with any concerns about young people in these settings.”
Anyone involved in children’s sports clubs can find out more at thecpsu.org.uk/keepingyourchildsafeinsport, where details of upcoming events and resources are available. Parents can also take part in a free e-learning course at thecpsu.org.uk/parents.
If you have concerns about a child, you can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk.