Online Abuse in Sport
Learn about online abuse in sports on this course with Dublin City University and the FIA's United Against Online Abuse Campaign.
Duration
3 weeksWeekly study
2 hours100% online
How it works
Online Abuse in Sport
Combatting online abuse in sports: Protecting the game
Join the crucial fight against online abuse in sports with this transformative course offered by Dublin City University.
On this three-week course, you’ll gain unparalleled insights into the mechanisms of online abuse, its profound impact on athletes, and the essential strategies to counteract this digital threat.
This online course equips sports administrators, coaches, athletes, and fans with the knowledge and tools needed to foster safe and respectful online environments.
Understand the spectrum of online abuse and craft responses to online hate
Start your journey by wholly understanding the various forms of online abuse facing athletes today, from Mbappe to Hamilton.
Delve into the psychological, social, and professional repercussions of internet trolling for athletes, staff, and fans alike. This segment lays the groundwork for recognising the critical signs of abuse and the urgent need for collective action.
From preventive measures to immediate responses, you’ll equip yourself and your sports community with practical tools and insights to make a real-world impact.
Critically assess legal responses
Navigate some of the legal complexities in combating online abuse. Explore the existing legal responses, how they can be applied and the challenges that exist.
Empower stakeholders and foster positive change
Lastly, you’ll finish the course by understanding stakeholder roles in fighting online abuse.
You’ll be equipped with the knowledge to develop and execute effective strategies to counter online abuse, leading the movement for a safer, inclusive online sports community.
Syllabus
Week 1
Introduction to Online Abuse in Sport
Welcome
Your Lead Educator will provide an overview of course content and introduce the learning outcomes for Week One.
Online Abuse in Sport
This activity focuses on defining the correct terminology and the actions that constitute online abuse. We will consider some of the causes of online abuse in sports, including its characteristics and common triggers.
Impacts of Online Abuse
This activity will explore online abuse targets and its impacts on individuals and society. Participants will analyse various facets of online abuse and share their perspectives with their fellow learners.
Review Your Learning
In the final activity for Week One, challenge yourself with a short quiz to test your grasp of the material. Reflect on your journey through this topic and consider what we have covered so far.
Week 2
Legal Responses to Online Abuse in Sport
Welcome
Your Lead Educator will provide an overview of course content and introduce the learning outcomes for Week Two and introduce legal responses to online abuse.
Criminal and Civil Law and Online Abuse
This activity will explore how criminal and civil law can be used to punish perpetrators of online abuse. We will explore different types of criminal and civil offences and their punishments.
Administrative Law and Online Abuse
This activity will explore how administrative law can be used to regulate online abuse in sports by overseeing the enforcement of laws and regulations that platforms, individuals and other third parties must adhere to.
Review Your Learning
In the final activity for Week Two, challenge yourself with a short quiz to test your grasp of the material. Reflect on your journey through this topic and consider what we have covered so far.
Week 3
Combatting Online Abuse in Sport
Welcome
Your Lead Educator will provide an overview of course content and introduce the learning outcomes for Week Three.
Protective and Preventative Measures
This activity will explore some of the challenges associated with tackling online abuse in sport and the different protective and preventative measures that can be taken against it, such as legal, technological, and educational.
Role of Different Stakeholder Groups
This activity will explore the role that different stakeholder groups play in tackling online abuse. We will discuss the role and responsibilities of the media and sporting organisations.
Review Your Learning
In the final activity for Week Three, challenge yourself with a short quiz to test your grasp of the material. Reflect on your journey through this topic and consider what we have covered so far.
When would you like to start?
Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.
Available now
Learning on this course
On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
- Understand what online abuse is and why it’s important to stop it.
- Analyse, assess and evaluate the definitions, types and triggers of online abuse.
- Understand the legal approaches and challenges associated with online abuse.
- Evaluate the ways in which online abuse can be combatted and the roles of key stakeholders.
Who is the course for?
This course is designed for sports personnel, educators, and advocates keen on combating online abuse in their sporting community.
It’s tailored for those aiming to understand, address, and prevent digital harassment, fostering a respectful and safe sports environment.
Who will you learn with?
Theo is Professor of Digital Business at DCU Business School and is a PI on the FIA-funded Combatting Online Abuse in Sport project (UAOA) and the Irish Co-PI on the AHRC/IRC-funded TOHIF project.
Gary is the Associate Dean for Internationalisation at DCU Business School. He is the PI on UKRI/IRC funded 'Online Hate in Football' and the FIA-funded 'Combatting Online Abuse in Sport' projects
Penny is a researcher at the Irish Institute of Digital Business at DCU Business School and researcher on the FIA-funded Combatting Online Abuse in Sport project.
Who developed the course?
Dublin City University
Dublin City University is a young, dynamic and ambitious Irish university with a distinctive mission to transform lives and societies through education, research and innovation.
United Against Online Abuse
The United Against Online Abuse campaign is a collaborative mission between national governments, regulatory institutions and fellow sporting bodies, with the objective of building a global coalition to tackle online abuse within the sport ecosystem.
In collaboration with
Endorsers and supporters
endorsed by
endorsed by
endorsed by
endorsed by
endorsed by
endorsed by
endorsed by
endorsed by
endorsed by
endorsed by
endorsed by
Ways to learn | Subscribe & save | Buy this course | Limited access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Choose the best way to learn for you! | $349.99 for one year Automatically renews | $54/one-off payment | Free |
| Develop skills to further your career | Fulfill your current learning need | Sample the course materials | |
| Access to this course | tick | tick | Access expires 9 May 2025 |
| Access to 1,000+ courses | tick | cross | cross |
| Learn at your own pace | tick | tick | cross |
| Discuss your learning in comments | tick | tick | tick |
| Certificate when you're eligible | Digital only | Printed and digital | cross |
Cancel for free anytime |
Ways to learn
Choose the best way to learn for you!
Buy this course
$54/one-off payment
Fulfill your current learning need
- Access to this course
- Learn at your own pace
- Discuss your learning in comments
- Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible
Subscribe & save
$349.99 for one year
Automatically renews
Develop skills to further your career
- Access to this course
- Access to 1,000+ courses
- Learn at your own pace
- Discuss your learning in comments
- Digital certificate when you're eligible
Cancel for free anytime
Limited access
Free
Sample the course materials
- Access expires 9 May 2025
Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades) | |||
Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)
Learning on FutureLearn
Your learning, your rules
- Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
- Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
- Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores
Join a global classroom
- Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
- Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
- Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others
Map your progress
- As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
- Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
- Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate
Want to know more about learning on FutureLearn? Using FutureLearn
Do you know someone who'd love this course? Tell them about it...
More courses you might like
Learners who joined this course have also enjoyed these courses.
Browse more in Politics & Society and Psychology & Mental Health
