Research Article

Research Trends and Thematic Evolution in Child Safeguarding in Sport: A Bibliometric Analysis

Volume: 12 Number: 1 October 28, 2026
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Research Trends and Thematic Evolution in Child Safeguarding in Sport: A Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to map research trends and thematic evolution in child safeguarding in sport and to identify the major topics, emerging areas, and international collaboration patterns shaping the field. Method: A systematic search of the Web of Science Core Collection identified 200 eligible publications. The retrieved records were analyzed using bibliometric methods in R with the bibliometrix package to examine publication trends, international collaboration, thematic structure, and thematic evolution. Results: Publication activity increased markedly from the mid-2010s, accompanied by strong international collaboration among several European countries, Canada, Australia, and the United States. Thematic mapping identified safe sport, safeguarding, sexual abuse, violence, prevention, and children’s rights as major areas of the field. Thematic evolution further showed a shift from earlier emphases on child protection, maltreatment, and sexual abuse toward broader concerns involving interpersonal violence, emotional abuse, and safeguarding. Conclusion: Child safeguarding in sport has developed into an increasingly diverse and internationally connected research field. Future research should further investigate comparatively less developed and emerging areas, particularly children’s rights, emotional abuse, policy implementation, reporting mechanisms, and the integration of children’s perspectives into safeguarding practice.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Sports Activity Management

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

October 28, 2026

Submission Date

September 16, 2026

Acceptance Date

October 28, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 12 Number: 1

APA
Turhal, S. N. (2026). Research Trends and Thematic Evolution in Child Safeguarding in Sport: A Bibliometric Analysis. International Journal of Sport Exercise and Training Sciences - IJSETS, 12(1), 185-198. https://doi.org/10.18826/useeabd.2041421
AMA
1.Turhal SN. Research Trends and Thematic Evolution in Child Safeguarding in Sport: A Bibliometric Analysis. Int J Sport, Exerc & Train Sci. 2026;12(1):185-198. doi:10.18826/useeabd.2041421
Chicago
Turhal, Seda Nur. 2026. “Research Trends and Thematic Evolution in Child Safeguarding in Sport: A Bibliometric Analysis”. International Journal of Sport Exercise and Training Sciences - IJSETS 12 (1): 185-98. https://doi.org/10.18826/useeabd.2041421.
EndNote
Turhal SN (October 1, 2026) Research Trends and Thematic Evolution in Child Safeguarding in Sport: A Bibliometric Analysis. International Journal of Sport Exercise and Training Sciences - IJSETS 12 1 185–198.
IEEE
[1]S. N. Turhal, “Research Trends and Thematic Evolution in Child Safeguarding in Sport: A Bibliometric Analysis”, Int J Sport, Exerc & Train Sci, vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 185–198, Oct. 2026, doi: 10.18826/useeabd.2041421.
ISNAD
Turhal, Seda Nur. “Research Trends and Thematic Evolution in Child Safeguarding in Sport: A Bibliometric Analysis”. International Journal of Sport Exercise and Training Sciences - IJSETS 12/1 (October 1, 2026): 185-198. https://doi.org/10.18826/useeabd.2041421.
JAMA
1.Turhal SN. Research Trends and Thematic Evolution in Child Safeguarding in Sport: A Bibliometric Analysis. Int J Sport, Exerc & Train Sci. 2026;12:185–198.
MLA
Turhal, Seda Nur. “Research Trends and Thematic Evolution in Child Safeguarding in Sport: A Bibliometric Analysis”. International Journal of Sport Exercise and Training Sciences - IJSETS, vol. 12, no. 1, Oct. 2026, pp. 185-98, doi:10.18826/useeabd.2041421.
Vancouver
1.Seda Nur Turhal. Research Trends and Thematic Evolution in Child Safeguarding in Sport: A Bibliometric Analysis. Int J Sport, Exerc & Train Sci. 2026 Oct. 1;12(1):185-98. doi:10.18826/useeabd.2041421