England Netball additional vulnerabilities and barriers to reporting for some young people

England Netball recognises that there are extra barriers that some young people may face when they report abuse.  It is important that all those working in netball understand that all young people are different and some may also be at more risk of abuse in the first place.

Disabled children

Disabled children have the same rights to protection as any other child in sport.  They are particularly vulnerable and at greater risk of all forms of abuse and the presence of multiple disabilities increases the risk of both abuse and neglect.

Some of the common factors that can lead to increased vulnerability are learning disabilities and different methods of communication, e.g BSL, Makaton etc, a lack of understanding of social boundaries and perhaps a need for assistance with personal care.  The latter often leads to a young disabled person becoming more dependant and compliant than their non disabled peers. In addition, the fact that they are perceived as different may make them a target for bullying and abuse.

Anyone working with young disabled people must be especially alert to the signs and symptoms of abuse and have strategies in place to ensure all children are able to raise concerns. For more reading on the issues relating to disabled children and the identifying and reporting of abuse please see this information from the NSPCC website - Protecting deaf and disabled children.

Gender and Cultural Barriers

There are also cultural and gender differences that may mean some children find it harder to talk about an abusive situation than others.  For example boys are more reluctant than girls to seek help, they often have less supportive networks around them and are less likely to talk to friends than their female counterparts. A study of calls to Childline confirmed that boys are less likely to talk about a concern than girls and so often wait longer before admitting they have a problem.

Children who are more isolated in their support networks may also be less likely to talk to someone so a young person with fewer friends may find it more difficult to find the right person to talk to.

For more information on barriers to reporting and relevant studies click here

What should netball clubs do?

Netball Clubs and organisations should make sure that an open environment is created whereby all young people are valued for the contribution they make to the club and their concerns are listened to.

For more information on valuing young people in your club click here

The following has been adapted from information taken from the NSPCC website (NFP Synergy Report) and is useful guidance for clubs to encourage young people to seek help and support:

  • never forget what it’s like to need help and support - make it easier for young people to take up the offer of help
  • help to tackle the myths about those who seek help - seeking help is not a sign of weakness; encourage parents to promote this message
  • help to tackle the myths about young people - be positive about young people
  • listen to your young netballers - improve your club using their feedback
  • shout about safeguarding in netball - lack of awareness is a significant barrier to young people seeking help
  • see the whole person - engage with young people both in terms of their strengths and their weaknesses
  • build trust - treat young people with respect
  • empower young people to find their own solutions
  • help young people to help each other - equip young people with the skills and tools to support their friends/peers and family members
  • think about communication - don’t be too bland, don’t try too hard to be cool

England Netball has resources to help with the above, click on club safeguarding resources and look for Be Safe Cards, posters and the good practice guide.

In addition club safeguarding officers should attend the Time to Listen training, more information is available click here

Associated Links

education.gov.uk  - Addresses of the Local Safeguarding Children's Boards (LSCBs) across England.

nspcc.org.uk - National Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC). The NSPCC operates a 24 hour freephone helpline telephone number 0808 800 5000

childline.org.uk - Childline or call 0800 11 11

Local Police: The number of your local police station will be listed in your local directory. Children's Care Services (formerly Social Services). The telephone number is usually included in the listing for your local council.