On World Mental Health Day, the International Skating Union (ISU) is strengthening its commitment to protecting athletes from abusive social media comments by signing the United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) Charter and extending its existing Cyber Protection programme for a further two years to defend skaters from harmful online content.

At the 60th Ordinary ISU Congress in Tenerife, Spain, in June, five world-class skaters spoke on a panel to Member Federations and skating stakeholders informing them of the harmful nature of online abuse and its impact on high performance (read full article here). Their message was clear: while social media has become an essential part of athletes’ lives to connect with fans, share their stories and build their careers, increased visibility also exposes them to harmful comments, harassment and abuse. The athletes unanimously highlighted that active protection in the digital environment is an increasingly important part of athlete welfare.

That session backed up the ISU’s Cyber Protection program, which has been available to skaters for over a year as a bulwark against the athletes being in the spotlight during the sport’s continued transformation. 

Founded by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) in 2023 and supported by the FIA Foundation, the United Against Oline Abuse (UAOA) initiative is a global coalition based upon three core pillars: stronger together, evidence-based, and committed to action. Through diversified industry research, free educational resources and coalition events, UAOA is dedicated to empowering communities and fostering safer digital environments for sport.

ISU President Jae Youl Kim said: 

“Sport is at its best when it is accessible to all and when there is no barrier to participation. From grassroots to the elite, it is our responsibility to defend athletes against abuse which plagues the sporting environment and that is why we have strengthened our actions with this important agreement with United Against Online Abuse.”

ISU Athletes’ Commission Chair and multiple Figure Skating Champion Evan Bates said: 

“As an athlete, it removes so much pressure from our shoulders to have harmful social media comments moderated and monitored so we can prepare for competition in the best mental space. I am proud that ISU is putting the mental health and well-being of athletes at the heart of their operations through the signing of this Charter.”

President of the FIA and UAOA Founder, H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: 

"The fight against online abuse cannot be won alone. By joining the UAOA Coalition and reinforcing its cyber protection programme, the International Skating Union is helping to build a stronger, more coordinated response to online harm in sport. This commitment reflects the growing recognition that athlete welfare, mental well-being and safe digital spaces are fundamental to the future of sport."

In addition to joining the UAOA Charter, the ISU has extended the agreement for its Cyber Protection programme for a further two years, giving the possibility to monitor up to 500 social media accounts belonging to athletes or officials. Some athletes have the opportunity to have accounts moderated as part of the agreement, which includes the specific coverage of Asian-language social media channels. 

The ISU’s partnership with UAOA and the extension of its Cyber Protection Program reflect a wider commitment to athlete welfare in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

About the United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) Coalition

Founded in 2023 by H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, the United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) coalition is an award-winning global initiative dedicated to combatting online abuse in sport through research, policy advocacy, and collaborative action. UAOA is endorsed by more than 75 governments, sports, academic institutions and technology organisations, and is supported by the FIA Foundation and co-funded by the European Union.