Spot the Signs

Noticing  concerns in sport and community settings

 

Exploitation is not always obvious and may develop over time. In sport and community spaces, signs can be subtle, and young people may not recognise that something is wrong.

 

“You do not need proof or certainty. Noticing changes, patterns or situations that don’t feel right matters”

 

You might notice:

 

Changes in a young person

 

• Appearing anxious, withdrawn, fearful or unusually quiet
• Sudden changes in behaviour, mood or attendance
• Increased aggression, frustration or emotional reactions
• Unexplained money, items or gifts

 

Control or pressure from others

 

• Someone closely monitoring or speaking for them
• Being told where to go, who to speak to, or what to do
• Pressure to attend sessions, go places or keep secrets
• Signs of loyalty, fear or obligation to someone else

 

Situations that raise concern

 

• Young people spending long periods unsupervised
• Repeated attendance without clear purpose
• Being moved between places or waiting to be collected
• Behaviour or situations that just don’t feel right

 

“Behaviour that looks “challenging” or “withdrawn” may be a sign of grooming, pressure or control”

 

Important to remember:

 

• Exploitation can affect any young person
• It often happens outside the home, in everyday spaces
• Young people may not see themselves as victims
• Concerns are often about patterns, not single incidents

 

“You are not expected to investigate or be certain. Your role is to notice concerns and share them”

 

Key Resources:

 

This video gives staff a bite-size overview about exploitation and sport; Safeguarding in sport bitesize learning