In this first episode of On Side’s Online Safety in Sport series, we unpack what’s changing in the digital environment and what it means for sport at every level.

Online spaces are now an integral part of sport connecting athletes, clubs and fans like never before. But alongside these opportunities comes a rapidly evolving set of risks.

Our host Tim Gavel is joined by two leading experts working at the forefront of online safety and athlete protection. Dr Emma Kavanagh, a renowned researcher in athlete welfare and safe sport, shares insight into the drivers of online abuse, including the rise of harassment, impersonation and harmful behaviours targeting athletes. Commander Joanne Cameron, who leads the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation, brings a law enforcement perspective on emerging threats – particularly those impacting children and young people, including grooming, exploitation and the growing use of AI and deepfake technologies.

Whether you’re an athlete, coach, administrator or parent, this episode offers critical insight into the online challenges facing sport and the steps we can take to create safer environments for everyone.