Keeping children safe in sport

PARENTS are being asked to show positive support for their children as part of an NSPCC campaign called Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week, which has been backed by both Cornwall and Devon FA.

More than a quarter of parents (28%) who attend their child’s sports club or activity said they have seen or experienced inappropriate behaviour, a new NSPCC survey has revealed.

This includes shouting insults, intimidating or threatening behaviour or fights between parents, guardians, carers or children.

The YouGov poll, commissioned by the NSPCC’s Child Protection in Sport Unit, also found that 68% of these parents said they or their children or both had felt uncomfortable because of it, and almost one in five parents said no action had been taken to stop it.

This year’s campaign is calling on parents to:

■Recognise that negative behaviour, including at sporting events, can have an impact on their child and their enjoyment of their chosen sport or club.

■Understand their crucial safeguarding role in their child’s sport and help keep them safe from possible abuse.

■Get involved in their child’s sporting club or activity and show positive support. Sport is safest when everyone plays their role in keeping children safe, including parents.