Online Safety Part 5 - how to keep children and young people safe

Last updated: 13 May 2025 Topics: Online safety Community and school sports

In today's connected world, keeping young people safe online is just as important as safeguarding them on the pitch or field. Join us for our latest podcast episode, where we dive into practical ways to protect children and young people in sport from online risks while empowering them to navigate the digital space confidently. 

Louisa Street—youth worker, PhD candidate, and member of the HeadStart Kernow Digital Resilience Project—sits down with NSPCC CPSU Senior Digital Content Editor Sam to answer key questions about online safety in sport. 

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In this episode, we cover: 

  1. how top athletes can promote themselves on social media without compromising safety 
  2. how sports clubs can use photos responsibly while keeping participants protected 
  3. how clubs can take a harm reduction approach to instant messaging apps 
  4. how to respond to online bullying disclosures 

We also explore setting boundaries across digital platforms, informed consent, photo selection and the importance of working alongside parents and carers to create safe spaces for young athletes. 

Most importantly, we highlight why listening to young people and putting them at the centre of decision-making is key to safeguarding in sport. 

Can’t see the player? You can also listen to this podcast on our Audioboom channel.