Review of the topic

In this topic, we shifted our focus to the various approaches from which we can combat online abuse. There are obviously a number of challenges to doing this, but we focused specifically on issues concerning anonymity, jurisdiction and enforcement.

In discussing protective measures, such as the strengthening of the legal framework, in response to these challenges, we started to unpack further challenges, that mostly centre on the role of different stakeholders and issues of co-operation.

Internet intermediaries have a number of tools at their disposal, but such measures are mostly protective and often at the whim of the Internet intermediary. It is important to understand the source of the problem. However, it’s not a matter of just raising awareness through education, it’s about targeted digital literacy education that has genuine, long-term impact and equips individuals with meaningful critical skills. Sport can play a key role in engaging the public in such educational spaces.

Sport organisations are responsible for developing comprehensive policies that are implemented across their various stakeholder touch points. However, this is not possible without the cooperation of elected politicians/parties, public bodies, Internet intermediaries, media, advocacy groups and other civil organisations.