Youth informed only works if you listen

Thread & Fable have delivered an empowering film and campaign toolkit aimed at teen swimmers that launched this week. Commissioned by Swim England, the 'Keep it in Your Locker' campaign, aims to prevent teens falling fowl of a safeguarding policy change.

The campaign aimed to raise awareness of the Wavepower change which prohibits the use of a mobile phone or device in changing rooms during Swim England regulated activity. It aims to protect members from instances of inappropriate photos or videos being taken

https://youtu.be/kkFoXGAw-TY

The film, which launched on Swim England's Instagram and TikTok on the 2nd of May, was informed by a survey to under 18 members, parents and coaches as well as the governing bodies' Youth Advisory Panel. This allowed message themes to be tested, barriers explored and ideas discussed as part of the process.

Rebecca Roberts, founder of Thread & Fable said: "Youth members have played a crucial part in developing a campaign that reflects their experience of having a phone with them at training and events and what messages resonated with them most in order to keep changing areas a safe space for everyone.

“By understanding how they felt about the change, as well as reflecting their voice within the campaign, ‘Keep it in Your Locker’ aims to be a light reminder about saving the fun for the pool and respecting the rule update for each other as well as for themselves.”

Clubs have been provided with resources by Swim England in a bid to help spread the word with teenage members.

You can read more about the campaign and how it fits within Swim England's safeguarding strategy here