Celebrating Safely: Keeping Children and Youth Safe During Summer Sporting Events

As we head into the summer,  there is growing excitement across the city in anticipation of big sporting events that will bring people together, spark community pride and create memorable shared experiences. They can also temporarily change how families move through their days with busier public spaces, more time spent away from usual routines and increased online activity.

This page brings together simple and preventative information to help children, youth and families stay safe while fully enjoying the events and celebrations.

Safety Awareness During Large Events

Large sporting events do not create issues like human trafficking or child exploitation as these are ongoing community realities that require year‑round attention. However, when cities host major events, certain conditions can increase vulnerability, including crowded environments, unfamiliar surroundings and disrupted routines.

Awareness, communication and preparation are proven protective factors. Sharing practical information helps families and organizations reduce risk, support one another and respond early when concerns arise.

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Five Simple Steps That Make a Difference

These tips are for parents and caregivers focused on simple actions families can take to support child and youth safety. Community organizations are encouraged to share them widely so families receive helpful guidance wherever they turn this summer.

  • Plan ahead for supervision

    Before your child heads out to a game or social event, talk through with them where they are going, who will be with them, and when they are expected to return. Clear plans help prevent confusion in busy environments. 

  • Keep communication open

    Make sure children and youth know how to reach you or a trusted adult at all times. Agree on when to check in and what to do if plans change.

  • Talk about safety in busy spaces

    Busy places can feel overwhelming. Agree on meeting points, decide ahead of time where to meet if separated, and discuss how to identify trusted adults or help points in public spaces.

  • Be aware of online activity

    Increased screen time and social media use can create new risks during high profile events. Keep talking with your child about who they are interacting with and through what channels, and encourage them to share anything that feels uncomfortable or concerning.

  • Take concerns seriously

    If a situation, interaction or behaviour does not feel right, trust that feeling. Pausing, asking questions and reaching out in your community for advice and support can help keep your child safe.

Shareable resources for caregivers, organizations and community partners

To support consistent messaging across Toronto, we’ve created free, ready‑to‑use materials for download and use. Click below to download social media assets featuring our top 5 safety tips and a one-pager/poster to distribute and share with your community.

Our Shared Responsbility: Duty to Report

The responsibility to keep children and youth safe doesn’t sit with event organizers alone. It belongs to all of us. 

In Ontario, every adult has a Duty to Report concerns about a child or youth’s safety. If you have reasonable grounds to suspect that a child may be in need of protection, you are legally required to report it. If you are concerned about a child or youth, contact your local police or child welfare agency.

Children’s Aid Society or Indigenous Child and Family Well-Being Agencies in Toronto

Children’s Aid Society of Toronto
Torontocas.ca
Call: 416.924.4646
Toll free: 1.866.527.0833

Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Toronto
torontoccas.org
Call: 416-395-1720

Jewish Family and Child Service of Greater Toronto
jfandcs.com
Call: 416.638.7800 x 6234

Native Child and Family Services of Toronto
nativechild.org
Call:  416‑969‑8510

Accessing Community Support

In addition to contacting your local police or child welfare agency, if you are worried about a child or youth, are seeking suport or have questions reach out to a dedicated resource in your community including, but not limited to:

  • Assaulted Women’s Helpline
    Call: 416-863-0511
    Toll-free: 1-866-863-0511
  • Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline
    Call: 1-833-900-1010
    Live chat: canadianhumantraffickinghotline.ca/chat

Concerned about a child or youth? Call us 24/7 416.924.4646 | 1.866.527.0833 What happens when I call?