Summit Focuses on Collaboration and Safety
On 19th May, Australian leaders from the sport, technology, and law enforcement sectors convened for the first Online Safety in Sport Summit, aiming to address the growing issue of online abuse in the sporting community.
Jointly hosted by Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) and the eSafety Commissioner, this summit brought together senior figures from various sectors to enhance collaboration and develop strategies against digital harm in sports.
Dr Emma Kavanagh from the University of Loughborough, Australian athletes, and technology industry representatives shared insights on combating online abuse.
Highlighting the importance of practical online safety resources, the Hon Anika Wells MP, Minister for Communications and Minister for Sport, praised the efforts of SIA and eSafety in providing training to sporting organisations.
Research Highlights Challenges
During the summit, Julie Inman Grant, the eSafety Commissioner, introduced new research titled ‘The Digital Sideline.’ The study reveals that nearly one-in-five children involved in organised sports have experienced cyberbullying, primarily from peers like teammates or competitors.
Ms Inman Grant stated, “Harmful and abusive conduct that was once confined to the sidelines no longer stays there. It follows people home, onto their phones, into their private messages.”
Commitment to prevention, early intervention, and a coordinated response to online harm was underscored at the summit, recognising the role of shared leadership and education.
According to SIA CEO Dr Sarah Benson, “Sport should be a place where people feel safe, supported, and respected on and off the field.” She emphasised the importance of equipping stakeholders with the right tools and partnerships.
Building workforce capability, providing sector-wide support, and enhancing collaboration and intelligence sharing will be the focus of the partnership between SIA and eSafety. This approach aims to protect the integrity and safety of all participants in Australian sports.
Technological advancements must ensure a safe space for healthy competition and community engagement as digital environments evolve. This necessity was emphasised during the summit.
Ongoing collaboration with technology platforms to create robust safety measures and tools that can be effectively integrated into sports organisations is essential, Dr Benson highlighted.
Last updated: 19 May 2026, 8:21 pm
