The Bridge: How to keep children safe during sports season

AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) – Children are back in school and back in sports, and The Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center wants parents to know how to keep their children safe.

“Parents first and foremost need to educate themselves. They have to know what the signs are, how do you recognize, how do you respond, and then how do you report, very critical components. There’s a website called Safe Sports, there are a lot of links for education, there’s tool kits. There’s all kinds of information,” said Bridge Advocacy Center Executive Director Shelly Bohannon.

While most people view abuse by coaches as physical or sexual abuse, it also includes misconduct.

Misconduct varies from over exertion to hazing or bullying.

“When your child becomes disinterested in a sport or participating when this has been something they have always loved, that’s a red flag that we should be looking into as parents. How come? What’s happened,” said Bohannon.

Bridge advocates say the best way to protect your children is to have full knowledge of where and who your child is with.

“Knowing where your child is, who they’re interacting with, what is their schedule, and that can come from a school. That can come from the club director, whatever. What is that expected schedule supposed to look like, so if something deviates from that expected schedule, parents cab ask how come,” said Bohannon.

The Bridge urges parents to keep an open communication with their children and encourage them to tell a trusted adult in any uncomfortable situation.

In the state of Texas, it is law to report suspected child abuse.

If you suspect a child is in immediate danger, call 911.

For all other cases in Texas, call the Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-252-5400.

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