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Contact the NSPCC Helpline

You can contact our Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000 between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday, or by emailing [email protected] between 11am and 4pm, seven days a week. If you send an email when the service is closed, it won't be received, and we won't know that you've tried to get in touch.

If we have not yet responded to you and your concerns for the safety of a child increase, please contact the police or local Children’s Services directly. Please be assured that we'll action all contacts that our Helpline receives.

Find out more
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Under 18?

Childline offers free, confidential advice and support whatever your worry, whenever you need help.

0800 1111

Contact Childline
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Supporting your child through sport injuries

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Injuries can happen at any time, which can be disappointing and frustrating for young people. If they are competing at a high level, they may need to be reassured that it's okay and that an injury may not be the end of their dream. Martial arts or boxing should still be fun, and this is a good time to remind them.  

If your child is injured, they should avoid taking part in any activity that could impact their healing. While coaches may want their athletes to show commitment, young people should not be made to feel they have to work through pain or speed up recovery time. 

If your child suffers a head injury or a concussion, take them out straight away and seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Most children recover well, but returning to sport too soon can increase the risk of further injury and delay recovery. If in doubt, sit them out.

Ideas to help them through an injury beyond physical recovery, include: 

    • Staying involved in training sessions in a different role so they still feel connected
    • Talking to them about how they feel, as returning to their club may cause them some stress and anxiety
    • Keeping in contact with the club to check-in on how your child is recovering
    • Prioritising their school or social life until they recover 

Continue to explore our tips on supporting your child in martial arts and boxing.

About this page

This information has been written, revised and edited by the NSPCC Sport team. It's been reviewed by expert safeguarding professionals in collaboration with the martial arts sport sector.

Date created: October 2026

Date for review: October 2028