In recognition of Children’s Week WA 2025, SportWest hosted a successful Online Safety in Sport Webinar, bringing together representatives from over 20 State Sporting Associations (SSAs) across Western Australia. The session, co-facilitated by SportWest’s True Sport program and the eSafety Commissioner, was proudly supported by the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport.
This year’s Children’s Week theme, “Everyone should know about Children’s Rights”, inspired by Article 42 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), served as a powerful reminder that awareness is the first step toward protection and empowerment.
The webinar aligned with National Principle 8 of the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, which promotes safety and wellbeing in both physical and online environments. The session provided practical education on emerging online safety risks in sport and empowered participants with tools to identify and respond to issues such as cyberbullying, non-consensual sharing of images or videos, and other forms of online harm.
Attendees gained valuable insights into how to report harmful content and access support services, while also learning how to use both the eSafety Sports Hub and True Sport Child Safeguarding resources to create safer online environments for children and young people involved in sport.
A key focus of the webinar was the upcoming social media age restrictions, set to take effect on 10 December 2025. These world-first measures, introduced by the Australian Government, aim to protect young Australians during a critical stage of their development. The eSafety Commissioner provided clarity on what these changes mean for the sport sector, how organisations can prepare, and the potential impact on online engagement practices.
Participants were encouraged to explore the dedicated information hub for further guidance and had the opportunity to ask questions directly to the eSafety Commissioner during the interactive session.
SportWest thanks all SSAs who attended and contributed to the conversation. The strong turnout and engagement reflect the sector’s commitment to safeguarding children and young people in all environments - on the field and online.
Daily Deep Dives into Child Safety
In partnership with the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport, continue to keep an eye on True Sport throughout Children’s Week, as we will continue to spotlight each of the Ten National Principles for Child Safe Organisations. Every day across our @truesportau socials, we will deep dive how sporting organisations can begin implementing these principles to build safer, more supportive spaces for children.
These principles are a cornerstone of child safeguarding in Australia, and understanding them is key to creating environments where children feel safe, respected, and heard.
Why It Matters
Children’s Week WA is more than a celebration - it’s a call to action. Whether you're a coach, volunteer, parent, or administrator, you have a role to play in protecting children in sport. By learning, sharing, and acting on children’s rights, we can build a future where every child feels safe and valued.
Let’s work together to make sport in WA a place where children can grow, play, and thrive.
SportWest also work collaboratively with the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport Child Safeguarding and Sport Integrity Australia. No door is the wrong door.
For more information or to start proactively working towards embedding the 10 National Principles into your sport or recreation organisation visit the True Sport Child Safeguarding Initiative or contact the True Sport team via email truesport@sportwest.com.au.
