National Child Protection Week: Keeping Kids Safe
Sport Integrity Australia have partnered with sporting dads, mentors and role models across the country on Father’s Day to remind the community that creating safe sporting environments for kids is everyone’s responsibility.
Father’s Day marks the start of National Child Protection Week, one important message of the week is ‘Every conversation matters’.
Male role models from across sport at different levels share insights about their roles in creating a safe environment.
Sport Integrity Australia, Acting CEO – Dr Sarah Benson said while fathers and carers across the country would celebrate their special day with family, likely at a sporting field, the best gift they could get was knowing their kids are safe in sport.
“National Child Protection Week is a timely reminder that we all have a role to play to help keep our children and young athletes safe at all levels,” said Dr Benson.
"Last year we received more than 200 integrity matters related to child safeguarding, highlighting that conversations need to continue to protect children and young people.
“Sport plays such an important role in our communities, in particular for kids, it improves physical and mental wellbeing, promotes a sense of belonging, enhances social connectivity, inclusion, and the building of long-term friendships.”
In June 2023, Sport Integrity Australia launched the Safeguarding in Sport Continuous Improvement Program (SSCIP) aimed at building the safeguarding capability of sports by providing education, training and ongoing support so they can provide a safe and inclusive environment for all members, including children and young people.
Deputy CEO – Safety in Sport Dr Paul Oliver said we are committed to supporting Australian sport environments that are safe, supportive and welcoming for children and young people.
“Our Child Safeguarding team works hand in glove with sporting organisations to embed a culture of child safety and member protection across their sports,” said Dr Oliver.
“It is essential everyone involved with delivering sport in Australia understands the important legal and governance responsibilities they have in relation to child safety.”
SIA has developed the Child Safe Practices Do’s and Don’ts booklet as an essential guide for anyone involved in children’s sport.
Visit: sportintegrity.gov.au/childsafe to access the booklet and view a suite of safeguarding resources.
What our sporting dads and male role models said:
Alan Tongue – former NRL champion turned youth mentor and educator
“As a father of 4 children out there on the sporting field every Saturday and Sunday, and most Friday nights as well, I want them to have the same experience as I had as an upbringing; you’re out there to do your best, and win lose or draw it’s about representing your club, your family, and being able to do that in safe and fun environment is extremely important to me.
“You just want kids to develop throughout their time and to have that place where you know that you can drop them off, whether it be at training or on the weekend and you know that they’re going to go in there and be able to be themselves, be able to play the sports they love, and be able to do that in a safe way, that means everything to me as a parent.”
Patrick Johnson – former Australian sprinter and SIA Culture and Safety Advisor
“I’m a proud father of a 7-year-old boy Paikea, which means whale rider.
“For me it’s about creating a strong foundation of unconditional love a strong sense of family and connection to country – and to his cultures – his Māori culture, Aboriginal culture and Australian culture.
“It’s really important as parents, as a family and as a father to be there to always listen, empower and encourage and provide unconditional love. “He’ll always have his own personality and his traits, of course I would love him to maybe do some running, but again it’s up to him to live out his own life and I will never push that on to my son.
“I’ll provide unconditional love, support and empowerment so that he can live out his dreams and aspirations and be whatever he wants to be.”
Ben Alexander – former Wallabies prop and Australian rugby stalwart
“I try to remind myself, more than just my kids, that sport is not about winning and losing, it is about trying and learning and having fun along the way.
“I always encourage my kids to try the best and have fun, and if they come up short, that’s fine, but what did they learn, and then go again.
“But always making sure they’re enjoying ‘why’ they play sport ... because I want them to play sport for life.”
Pat McCabe – former professional Australian rugby union player, now practising lawyer
“A safe environment for kids is critical around sport.
“I think some of the life lessons that sport teaches you are everlasting and incredibly important.
“To have comfort and confidence as a parent that where you’re encouraging them (your kids) to go to, and the people they’re going to be around – that it’s going to be safe and supportive, caring and respectful – that’s incredibly important for me.
“Something that’s extremely high on any kind of priority list of what you want to get out of sport, as an absolute foundation, is that they’re safe and supported.”
Ryan Tiene – Pro snowboarder and founder of Turn and Burn
“My advice for parents wanting to support their kids the most is don’t set their expectations for them, let them come up with the expectations and then support it.
“If you’re the one driving the ship, it’s just not going to work. They ‘why’ has to come from them, and you can support that, but you can’t create the ‘why’ and the drive, it has to come from the athlete.
“Give them the encouragement, but don’t overbear or set their goals for them.”
