Using Technology to Detect and Respond to Cyberbullying

Bullying is a growing problem in the world of sport, affecting not only athletes, but sports teams and organizations as a whole. With the advent of digital technologies, incidents of cyberbullying can spread rapidly, with devastating consequences for the mental health and well-being of the individuals involved. However, technologies can also play a crucial role in the early detection and effective intervention of cyberbullying. In this article, we explore how sports team management tools and the rule of two can be used to combat this problem.

As an indication, around 24% of young Canadians have reported deleting an account on social networks to avoid cyberbullying [2]. Using sophisticated algorithms, these platforms can spot suspicious behavior, such as aggressive messages or threats, and alert team managers to take swift action.

Centralizing communications between players, coaches, parents and other stakeholders therefore offers a dual advantage: it allows a degree of control over exchanges, and encourages early detection of potential problems. By consolidating communications within a single platform, we facilitate the identification and early resolution of inappropriate behavior or at-risk situations, thus contributing to a climate of respect and benevolence in the world of sport.

This proactive approach brings together valuable information from a variety of sources, facilitating the early detection of bullying and abuse, and the implementation of effective preventive measures. In addition, it creates an open and transparent space for dialogue, where players and stakeholders feel comfortable expressing themselves and reporting potential problems, thus fostering a healthy and inclusive sports culture.

This type of tool enables coaches and administrative staff to monitor interactions between team members, by centralizing communications on a single platform and being able to monitor these messages.

Once a cyberbullying incident is detected, sports team management tools facilitate a rapid, coordinated response. Coaches can use these platforms to communicate with those involved, offer appropriate support and take disciplinary action if necessary. What’s more, these tools enable incidents to be documented and tracked over time, which is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of measures taken and preventing future incidents.

The Rule of Two is a well-known strategy in the field of violence and abuse prevention, which states that it is preferable for at least two adults to be present when working with children and youth. This is intended to ensure transparency and accountability in all interactions and communications, according to the Coaching Association of Canada. It also encourages an open and observable environment where all stakeholders can access information and understand the decisions being made [1].
This rule can also be applied to prevent cyberbullying in sport.

Implementing the rule of two is made possible by tools such as Monclubsportif, which ensures that all exchanges take place under the supervision of a responsible adult.
Sports organizations can thus ensure that there are always at least two adults supervising online interactions between team members. This can deter inappropriate behavior and ensure adequate supervision in the event of a cyberbullying incident.

In addition to ensuring enhanced supervision, sports organizations should also provide cyberbullying awareness and training to all team members, including athletes, coaches and administrative staff. This can help prevent incidents before they happen and encourage a culture of inclusion and respect within the team.
To illustrate, consider the example of a basketball team that organizes a quick cyberbullying awareness session for its members. An online safety expert leads the session, which focuses on recognizing the signs of cyberbullying, what to do in the event of an incident and good online practices. Players also receive advice on protecting their personal information and promoting a culture of inclusion. This awareness-raising is followed by ongoing training throughout the season to maintain vigilance against cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying is a serious problem that can have serious consequences for individuals and sports organizations. However, by using sports team management tools and applying the rule of two, it is possible to detect and intervene effectively in the event of a cyberbullying incident. It is imperative that sports organizations take proactive measures to protect their members and promote a safe and respectful online environment.

Sources : 

[1] Association canadienne des entraîneurs. Règle de deux. Consulted at the following URL : https://coach.ca/ 

[2] Descurninges, C. (2022).57 % des jeunes Québécois ont déjà subi de la cyberintimidation. Consulted at the following URL : https://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/2022-09-03/57-des-jeunes-quebecois-ont-deja-subi-de-la-cyberintimidation.php#:~:text=Au%20total%2C%2024%20%25%20des%20jeunes,t%C3%A9moins%20(48%20%25)%20de%20cyberintimidation.