New DigiSafe Toolkit launched to help young players thrive in digital spaces

A groundbreaking new digital wellbeing initiative has been launched to help young Gaelic Games players feel safe, respected, and valued in their online interactions.

The DigiSafe Toolkit, co-designed with the Gaelic Games community, introduces the concept of being "digisafe" – empowering young people to enjoy digital wellbeing while they thrive and flourish online.

In today's connected world, young athletes spend significant time online and on social media platforms. Just as player safety and wellbeing are paramount on the field, the DigiSafe initiative recognises that young people deserve to feel well, safe, respected, and valued in digital spaces.

"We want our young people to enjoy being digitally well and to thrive and flourish online," said Professor Fiona Chambers, an expert in sport, education and innovation, University College Cork. "Being 'digisafe' means having the tools and knowledge to navigate digital spaces with confidence and empathy for others.”

The comprehensive DigiSafe Toolkit features two key components designed to support both individual players and club communities:

For Players: The DigiSafe Module is an online educational resource that teaches young athletes how to maintain digital wellness, recognise online risks, and develop healthy digital habits.

For Clubs: The DigiSafe Club Code (created by young people as part of the DigiSafe Module) provides guidance and standards for clubs to create supportive digital environments and promote positive online interactions within their communities.

The toolkit was developed through a series of design thinking playshops with the Gaelic Games community, ensuring the resources address real-world challenges faced by young players and their clubs in digital spaces.

This community-driven approach reflects the Gaelic Games tradition of collective responsibility for youth development, extending that care and support into the digital realm where young players increasingly connect, communicate, and engage.

The DigiSafe Toolkit is now available to clubs and players across the Gaelic Games community.

Speaking about the announcement, Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Jarlath Burns said: "The explosion in the popularity of digital communications means it is now a part of every day life for many people - including our players and members of all ages and across all of the Gaelic games codes.

"It brings huge opportunities and advantages but it also presented challenges and in that context I warmly welcome the development of the DigiSafe toolkit to enable people to use these platforms with confidence, safe in the knowledge that they are equipped to make better and informed decisions to enhance their experience. "This is another tangible example of our co-operation An Cumann Camogaíochta and the LGFA and I am confident that it will have a positive impact."

Trina Murray, Uachtarán Cumann Peil Gael na mBan, commented: “The digital world can be an incredibly rewarding and educational place but it is also fraught with risks and danger.

“It is vital that young people are made aware of the threats involved, to ensure that their online experiences are truly rewarding.
“I welcome yet another wonderful piece of collaborative work between the GAA, the LGFA and the Camogie Association.

“Our young athletes are incredibly enlightened and intelligent but they may also require some guidance when navigating a world where social media has become increasingly prominent.”

Brian Molloy, Uachtarán an Chumainn Camógaíochta, added: “The DigiSafe Toolkit is a powerful example of how we can extend the values of Gaelic games into the digital spaces where our young players increasingly live and connect. By equipping them with the tools to be safe, confident, and kind online, we are not only protecting their wellbeing but also nurturing the kind of leadership and empathy that defines our sports.

"We are delighted to partner with the LGFA and GAA on this initiative, which reflects our common commitment to supporting players in every aspect of their lives, both on and off the pitch."