Denver – October 01, 2026 -- The U.S. Center for SafeSport has released video clips, interview access, and practical guidance for parents and coaches to recognize and prevent bullying in youth sports, timed to Bullying Prevention Month in October.
Short video clips feature SafeSport's education chief addressing signs of bullying
The clips, available for download by accredited media, feature Monica Rivera, SafeSport's Vice President for Education & Research. Topics include spotting signs and symptoms of bullying, talking to kids about the issue, and steps to take if a parent suspects their child is the one engaging in bullying behavior.
"To truly prevent bullying, we need to recognize when a young person may be struggling and respond to those needs before it shows up as harmful behavior," Rivera said. She added that early intervention, accountability, and support can interrupt cycles of harm and create safer environments for athletes.
Rivera brings two decades of experience to media interviews on the topic
Rivera has spent more than 20 years working in interpersonal violence prevention, including direct work with survivors of abuse. She has appeared as an expert on CBS Evening News, NPR, and PBS, has been featured in The Atlantic, and delivered a TEDx Talk. Media outlets can request interviews with her by emailing SafeSport directly.
SafeSport CEO calls for year-round vigilance against bullying in youth sports
SafeSport CEO and Olympic gold medalist Benita Fitzgerald Mosley said the organization's focus on bullying prevention should extend beyond October, framing it as a collective responsibility to foster safe environments for young athletes.
New resource outlines four steps for shifting sport culture around bullying
SafeSport published a resource titled "Could my kid be the bully?" offering four concrete steps for changing the cultural narrative around bullying and interrupting harmful behavior patterns. The organization also maintains a dedicated webpage on preventing bullying in sport with additional tools for parents and coaches.
SafeSport, created in 2017 under federal law, is the only independent U.S. organization dedicated to ending sexual, physical, and emotional abuse in Olympic and Paralympic sport. It investigates abuse complaints, sets safety policies including the SafeSport Code, and audits national governing bodies for compliance.
Individuals who have experienced or suspect abuse within the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement can report it to SafeSport's hotline at 833-587-7233, staffed from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mountain Time.