Staying safe online

Stay safe online

It's important that you feel safe and supported online. Being online is a big part of sport today, from team chats to sharing highlights. 

While it can be fun and helpful, sometimes things happen that don’t feel right. 

If you ever feel uncomfortable, upset, or worried about something online, know that you’re not alone and help is available.

Spotting online abuse

Online abuse is when someone uses technology to hurt, threaten, or embarrass someone. It can happen on:

• social media
• messaging apps and group chats
• forums
• gaming platforms.

It can target players, coaches, officials, parents, or teams. It can seriously affect your mental and physical wellbeing.

Examples of online abuse

• Teasing, name-calling, or putdowns
• Prejudice and hate
• Body shaming
• Trolling
• Threats or 'pile‑ons'
• Doxing (sharing private info without consent)
• Unwanted or unsafe contact
• Cyberstalking

If something online makes you feel upset, worried, or unsafe – it’s not your fault and help is available.

Important tips to stay safe online 

Don’t give out personal details

Giving out your personal details like your full name, school, age, or address can be dangerous. People you don’t know could use that information to find out more about you. People can also pretend to be other people, so you may not know who you are really talking to.

Sharing photos

When taking and sharing photos, remember to:

• Ask permission to take or share photos of your teammates.
• Make sure they ask your permission too.
• Be careful that photos of you don’t reveal too much about you. For example, you should blur your school or team logo.
• Make sure your location isn’t tagged in the photo. Strangers could find out where you train or play games.

Be careful who you talk to online

When chatting online and on your phone:

• Use official team channels, make sure your parents or carers are included.
• Don’t message directly with adults, even your coach.
• For those over 16 years, adults should not try to add, friend, or follow you on social media apps.
• Always be polite and respectful online.

Beware of Team apps

Team apps are great for checking your stats and finding out about game days. But they can also share more information than you realise, and that could make you unsafe.

If your profile is public, anyone can see details about you and your teammates. This might include your photo, where you play, and where you train. 

I need help

If something doesn’t feel right, or someone is making you uncomfortable, it's ok to tell someone. The eSafety Commissioner has advice for you to deal with a range of situations, visit their I need help page

People from your sport, your club or organisation can help. Most sports have rules about online safety. Remember you have a right to speak up, be heard and have someone do something about it.

Report online abuse to eSafety

The eSafety Commissioner has a simple step-by-step guide to report harmful content.

If you think someone is trying to exploit you online

Get help straight away. The Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation has resources and ways to report to keep kids safe and support families.