About This Program
The Child Online Protection in Sports Initiative is designed to safeguard young athletes from the growing digital threats they face, such as cyberbullying, online exploitation, and privacy violations. With the increasing integration of technology in sports, from social media to gaming platforms, young athletes are exposed to risks that could affect both their physical and mental well-being.
This initiative seeks to partner with leading organizations, such as Safe to Compete, a collaboration between It’s a Penalty and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), to prevent online exploitation and abuse within the sports sector. Additionally, the European Football for Development Network (EFDN), along with the ITU’s Global Cybersecurity Agenda, are actively involved in shaping policies that ensure young athletes are protected in both grassroots and professional sports environments.
Through workshops, digital literacy campaigns, and the promotion of safe digital environments, the initiative aims to equip athletes, coaches, and sports organizations with the tools necessary to navigate the online world safely. The initiative works to ensure that sports remain a space where children can excel without the fear of online harm, while also encouraging a culture of digital awareness and safety in sports communities.
By blending the worlds of sports and digital safety, we strive to ensure young athletes enjoy the full benefits of sports, both on and off the field, while staying safe in the digital landscape.
Join us in creating a safer sporting environment for the next generation of athletes.
