Protecting children in sport with Start to Talk!

Sport is great for children. It can bring joy and healthy habits, boost self-esteem and create a sense of belonging. Through sport, children adhere to key values and learn important life skills. However, abuse can also occur in sport. Violence against children in sports happens far too often, affecting all countries and disciplines alike, and occur from grassroots to elite sport. Violence and abuse can leave scars for life. Most victims suffer in silence and never get help. Impunity allows many offenders to keep preying on children.

International standards adopted by the Council of Europe and other organisations urge public authorities and sports organisations to overcome denial, break the taboo and take concrete measures to protect children, prevent and respond to all forms of violence (including sexual, physical and psychological/emotional violence). There is also an urgent need to develop comprehensive child safeguarding policies and implement them efficiently.

“Start to Talk” aims to reach an effective implementation of child safeguarding policies in sport at national level to protect children and young people, prevent and respond to all forms of violence.

Child consultation is an important way of involving children and gathering their insights. Sport does not have a strong track record in listening to children, but we want to change this.

On 30 May 2023, EPAS held its first child consultation session with the Bulgarian Child Council to improve safeguarding in sport. Young people (15–17 years) shared ideas, guided by experts.

By involving children in decision-making, we uphold their rights and create a safer, more inclusive sporting environment.

  Children’s Council Consultation within the framework of the "Start to Talk" project in Bulgaria