27/09/2019
Sports Women More Likely Subject Of Social Media Abouse
Women involved in high level sports are more likely to be subjected to social media abuse and harassment, a high-level sports meeting at Leinster House has heard.
Fine Gael TD Hildegarde Naughton, Chair of the Oireachtas Communications Committee, met today with representatives from several Irish sporting bodies who spoke about social media use surrounding their games, players and athletes.
Meeting Deputy Naughton were former Leinster and Harlequins rugby player Simon Keogh of Rugby Players Ireland, Rachael McGuire of Sport Ireland along with former Dublin footballer Paul Flynn and Westmeath footballer Jennifer Rogers of the Gaelic Players Association.
In light of ongoing reports of serious harassment and bullying of sports players and coaches, Deputy Naughton invited all to the meeting to discuss their experiences and concerns.
Deputy Naughton said: "The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the forthcoming Government legislation providing for a Digital Safety Commissioner and how it can combat the level of online abuse that has negatively impacted on sports, at all levels, in Ireland.
"The Digital Safety Commissioner will have the duty to regulate social media and the power to take down harmful communications. The Heads of Bill to establish such an office are currently being drafted.
"Today's meeting heard women also more likely to be targeted than men for online abuse and harassment – often by nameless keyboard warriors. This can impact players and coaches both mentally and physically in a very negative fashion.
"Events relayed to me included a player not being able to work after he was targeted on social media. It is extremely concerning that people who give pleasure to thousands and thousands every week up and down the country are subjected to such vile abuse. In many cases, these players or athletes are participating in team or individual sports at their own financial cost.
"It was a very productive discussion covering a wide range of issues faced by sports persons while engaging with social media. It is reflective of a wider problem of social media being used to bully and harass people in their everyday lives," Deputy Naughton concluded.
The sporting organisations have agreed to work with Deputy Naughton in ensuring that the forthcoming legislation is the most robust possible, while acknowledging the right to freedom of expression.
(MH/CM)
Fine Gael TD Hildegarde Naughton, Chair of the Oireachtas Communications Committee, met today with representatives from several Irish sporting bodies who spoke about social media use surrounding their games, players and athletes.
Meeting Deputy Naughton were former Leinster and Harlequins rugby player Simon Keogh of Rugby Players Ireland, Rachael McGuire of Sport Ireland along with former Dublin footballer Paul Flynn and Westmeath footballer Jennifer Rogers of the Gaelic Players Association.
In light of ongoing reports of serious harassment and bullying of sports players and coaches, Deputy Naughton invited all to the meeting to discuss their experiences and concerns.
Deputy Naughton said: "The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the forthcoming Government legislation providing for a Digital Safety Commissioner and how it can combat the level of online abuse that has negatively impacted on sports, at all levels, in Ireland.
"The Digital Safety Commissioner will have the duty to regulate social media and the power to take down harmful communications. The Heads of Bill to establish such an office are currently being drafted.
"Today's meeting heard women also more likely to be targeted than men for online abuse and harassment – often by nameless keyboard warriors. This can impact players and coaches both mentally and physically in a very negative fashion.
"Events relayed to me included a player not being able to work after he was targeted on social media. It is extremely concerning that people who give pleasure to thousands and thousands every week up and down the country are subjected to such vile abuse. In many cases, these players or athletes are participating in team or individual sports at their own financial cost.
"It was a very productive discussion covering a wide range of issues faced by sports persons while engaging with social media. It is reflective of a wider problem of social media being used to bully and harass people in their everyday lives," Deputy Naughton concluded.
The sporting organisations have agreed to work with Deputy Naughton in ensuring that the forthcoming legislation is the most robust possible, while acknowledging the right to freedom of expression.
(MH/CM)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 March 2024
First And Deputy First Minister To Celebrate St Patrick's Day In US
The First and Deputy First Minister will travel to the United States this week for a series of St Patrick's Day engagements in Washington DC. The visit will focus on showcasing the local economy and develop key relationships and networks across the U.S. Ministers will attend the NI Bureau Breakfast, Ireland Funds Gala, a meeting with the U.S.
First And Deputy First Minister To Celebrate St Patrick's Day In US
The First and Deputy First Minister will travel to the United States this week for a series of St Patrick's Day engagements in Washington DC. The visit will focus on showcasing the local economy and develop key relationships and networks across the U.S. Ministers will attend the NI Bureau Breakfast, Ireland Funds Gala, a meeting with the U.S.
26 February 2024
Exploring The Rise Of The Latest Irish Online Casinos
Today, online casinos are more popular than ever. They have attracted players from all over the world and the country of Ireland is no exception.
Exploring The Rise Of The Latest Irish Online Casinos
Today, online casinos are more popular than ever. They have attracted players from all over the world and the country of Ireland is no exception.
08 September 2014
Majority Of Children Access Social Media At School
A new survey has found that almost eight in 10 students access social media sites when they are at school. The BT Young Scientist survey discovered that 79% of pupils had accessed social media at school, with a further 44% accessing it between one and five times during the school day.
Majority Of Children Access Social Media At School
A new survey has found that almost eight in 10 students access social media sites when they are at school. The BT Young Scientist survey discovered that 79% of pupils had accessed social media at school, with a further 44% accessing it between one and five times during the school day.
14 January 2020
Seven Major Sports Projects To Benefit From €5m Funding Allocation
Almost €5 million has been allocated for seven individual projects under the new Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF), announced by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross and Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin.
Seven Major Sports Projects To Benefit From €5m Funding Allocation
Almost €5 million has been allocated for seven individual projects under the new Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF), announced by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross and Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin.
25 July 2018
New National Sports Policy Launched By Ministers
A new National Sports Policy has been launched by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross, and the Minister with responsibility for Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin, at the St Laurence O'Toole Recreation Centre, Sherriff Street, in Dublin's North Inner City.
New National Sports Policy Launched By Ministers
A new National Sports Policy has been launched by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross, and the Minister with responsibility for Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin, at the St Laurence O'Toole Recreation Centre, Sherriff Street, in Dublin's North Inner City.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:Cloudy with further outbreaks of rain this morning, heavy at times, especially over north Antrim. Becoming drier and brighter this afternoon with sunny spells and a few showers. Winds becoming light. Maximum temperature 9 °C.Tonight:Further showers this evening, some heavy, especially in the east, dying out early tonight. Then mainly dry with clear periods developing, leading to a touch of frost and icy patches. Minimum temperature -1 °C.