SCOTTISH sporting bodies and prominent sports figures have joined in with NSPCC calls to encourage parents to play their part in keeping children safe from abuse in sport.
A new poll has found that 15% of parents are not confident that they could spot signs of sexual, physical or emotional abuse at a sports club.
The week-long campaign starts today to “help parents understand their role in keeping children safe and who they can turn to for help and support”.
Among the sporting bodies backing NSPCC’s Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week campaign are the Scottish Football Association (FA), Netball Scotland, Strathclyde Sirens and children’s charity Children 1st.
Ross McGowan, wellbeing and protection co-ordinator at the Scottish FA, said: “We are pleased to support this campaign which aims to keep children safe from all forms of abuse in sport settings.
“We will work with our clubs and members to promote the campaign toolkit and encourage as many parents and carers as possible to understand the important role they play in the bigger safeguarding picture of sport.
“We hope that by promoting this campaign, more parents will ask those important questions around safeguarding when their child takes part in sports in Scotland, helping us to ensure our clubs are offering a safe, fun, and engaging environment.”
New data has revealed that the number of times the NSPCC helpline has been contacted by adults with safeguarding questions or concerns about children in sports has almost doubled in the last five years.
Claire Nelson, CEO of Netball Scotland and Strathclyde Sirens, said: “It’s vital that children get the opportunity to take part in sport safely and this campaign will equip parents with the knowledge they need to feel confident that their child is safe in a sports setting.
“As children begin to get out and about again after the pandemic, many parents and children will be feeling anxious about joining clubs and activities.”
