Player Protection

Child Protection Week is a national event held during the first week of September. The event focuses on child protection being everyone’s business.Since 2021, every adult in Queensland has a legal obligation to report reasonable suspicions of significant harm to a child caused by physical or sexual abuse or neglect.

Sadly the research shows that adults often don’t hear what children say, for children that means that they may need to tell up to 6 adults before someone hears them about their abuse (ACF 2010).

Research also shows that children often communicate signs of abuse by statements such as: regularly complaining of ailments such as tummy aches and headaches with no other causation. For further warning signs CLICK here: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/abuse/child-abuse-and-neglect.htm#warning

How you can protect your son/daughter

Listen Actively:

  • Create an environment where your son/daughter feels comfortable sharing anything with you by being a calm, non-critical listener. 

Teach Trusted Adults:

  • Help your son/daughter identify a list of trusted adults they can talk to if they feel worried or unsafe, including you. 

Empower Your son/daughter:

  • Teach your son/daughter they have a right to be safe and that abuse is never their fault, which encourages them to report concerns.

Recognize Early Warning Signs:

  • Help your son/daughter understand how to listen to their body and instincts when something feels unsafe, encouraging them to trust those feelings. 

Develop Exit Strategies:

  • Agree on a secret code word your child can use to signal a need for you to pick them up from an unsafe situation.
  • Set Online Time Limits: Establish rules for when and how long your son/daughter can use devices. 

Use Parental Controls: 

  • Take advantage of parental control and monitoring tools to manage device and internet use. 

Protect Personal Information: 

  • Teach your son/daughter the importance of not sharing personal details (like their address, phone number, or school name) online, and use secure settings on apps and websites.

Responding to Disclosures & Reporting

Believe Your Child:

  • When a son/daughter discloses a problem or a disturbing event, respond with compassion and reassurance.

What to Do if You Have Concerns

In an Emergency: Call Triple Zero (000) if a child is in immediate danger. 

For Non-Emergencies: Contact Policelink on 131 444 or the Department of Child Safety, Seniors and Disability Services

Mermaid beach Child Safety Service Centre on 1300679849 for concerns about a child being harmed or at risk of harm.

Please feel free to contact me via mobile 0438184994 for support. 

Best Wishes

Jeff

Dr. Jeff Kemp OAM

Board Director Gold Coast United FC.