Youth Voices Drive New Safeguarding Agenda in Sport Integrity Australia Study

Federal Minister for Sport, Hon Anika Wells MP, has today officially launched the findings of Sport Integrity Australia’s (SIA) inaugural study, Hear me play: youth perceptions of safety in sport.

The report, released to 160 sport leaders at the CEO Sport Integrity Forum, represents the first annual benchmark in a five-year program designed to put children’s voices at the centre of Australian sporting policy.

The study, which surveyed over 1,000 young people aged 12 to 18 during 2025, provides a comprehensive look at the “hidden” experiences of junior athletes.

While the data shows a high level of engagement, with 93% of participants stating they “love or like” their sport, it also reveals critical pressure points regarding peer-on-peer behaviour and parental influence.

Commenting on the findings, Minister Wells, said: “As we look toward Brisbane 2032 and welcome more young people into sport, it’s clear the future of sporting culture lies in their hands.”

“This work is more vital than ever… emphasizing the importance of listening to young people,” Minister Wells said.

Key Insights: Fun vs. Fallout

The research found that friendship, fitness, and fun are the primary drivers for youth participation, far outweighing the desire to win.

However, the commercial risk of athlete “dropout” remains high, with one in three young people citing a lack of enjoyment as their reason for leaving organized sport.

Strategic Findings: The ‘Praise Parent’ Effect

A standout finding of the report is the profound impact of sideline behaviour on athlete wellbeing. SIA identified three distinct categories of sporting parents:

• ‘Praise Parents’: Those who encourage and support; their children reported significantly higher levels of safety and motivation.
• ‘Instruction Parents’: Those who constantly direct play; often leading to reduced athlete independence.
• ‘Criticism Parents’: Those who focus on errors; identified as a primary source of athlete stress and decreased enjoyment.

Lisa Purves, SIA’s Director of Safeguarding, noted that the organisation will use these insights to launch several targeted initiatives this year. “SIA is already developing an online safeguarding course designed specifically for young athletes,” she said. “This year we will also collaborate with experts to develop practical tools that support sports to manage peer-on-peer issues effectively.”

Operational Roadmap for 2026
Over the next 12 months, SIA will lead the strategic translation of complex integrity policies into “child-friendly” language. This effort aims to empower young participants to identify and report inappropriate behaviour—such as the 27% of respondents who reported witnessing peer bullying—to trusted adults more effectively.

By establishing this five-year longitudinal study, the ARLC and other national bodies gain a robust data set to ensure the “Green and Gold decade” of major events is built on a foundation of safety and inclusion.

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