eSafety Commissioner and Sport Integrity Australia focus on online harms in sport
Cyberbullying linked to sporting communities remains a growing concern for Australian authorities and digital safety experts.
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner and Sport Integrity Australia have launched a joint initiative focused on online safety in sport.
The Online Safety in Sport Summit brought together representatives from sporting organisations, government agencies, researchers, law enforcement, and technology companies. The discussions focused on cyberbullying, online harassment, and harmful digital behaviour affecting athletes and sporting communities.
During the summit, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said harmful behaviour linked to sport increasingly occurs across social media, messaging applications, and online communities.
Research presented during the summit, titled ‘The Digital Sideline’, found that nearly one in five children participating in organised sport reported experiencing cyberbullying related to sporting activities.
Officials in Australia said that many reported online harms involved peers, including teammates and competitors, and occurred through private messages and group chats.
Participants highlighted the importance of prevention measures, early intervention, and cooperation between sporting organisations, regulators, and technology companies.
Why does it matter?
Online abuse within sport is becoming an increasingly significant policy and governance issue as digital platforms reshape athlete visibility, fan interaction, and youth participation. Cyberbullying, online harassment, and hate speech can affect mental health, athlete safety, participation rates, and broader social cohesion.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!