The NSPCC’s Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport campaign focus week launches today across the country.
New polling reveals 28% of parents have seen or experienced inappropriate behaviour from adults on the sidelines at their children’s sports clubs and activity providers.
This year’s campaign is calling on parents to get involved in their child’s sport, be supportive, and help keep children safe, and includes a new video which explores how behaviour from the sidelines can affect young sportspeople.
Entitled My No.1 Fan (WATCH HERE), the short film features interviews with families talking about what positive parental behaviour and support means to them and how negative behaviour can impact children’s enjoyment of sport.
Tranmere Rovers has joined footballing icon Alan Shearer and Team GB skateboarder Sky Brown to call on sports and activity clubs across the country at all levels to support Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week.
The NSPCC recognises that children enjoy sport and activities the most when parents are engaged in what they do, whether it is postgame support and cheerleading or showing an interest in the rules of the game.
Nigel Adkins, Interim First-Team Manager of Tranmere Rovers, said: “Taking the opportunity to show an interest or to be involved in your child’s sporting adventure can provide a valuable safe environment for your child to enjoy their sporting experience, benefit from the healthy exercise, and appreciate the importance of belonging to a team.
“Our support of the future generation can be rewarding, not only for your child but potentially for the whole family.”
As well as this new film, the NSPCC’s Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) hosts a wealth of resources and information on the Parents’ Hub, including a free e-learning course on keeping children safer in sport, videos, podcasts and factsheets.
The NSPCC and its CPSU want to bring together parents, sports clubs, and bodies to help give them the confidence and knowledge about the role they can play in keeping their children safe in sports and activity settings.
The NSPCC will also be encouraging parents to get involved and learn more about their local sports clubs and be part of the team. Parents can learn more about safeguarding on the CPSU parent hub via the official website.
To find out more about being your child’s biggest supporter and how to get involved with the campaign, visit thecpsu.org.uk/parents
