Online abuse or bullying, sometimes called ‘trolling’, is a rising problem for all users of social media. However, the BIU takes the threat of social media especially seriously because sports people are more at risk than other users.

Elite athletes face an increased risk of criticism or abuse because:     

·         They have a heightened public profile

·         Withdrawing from social media is often not an option for them (they are under pressure to be seen to be active on social platforms, whether to satisfy sponsors’ demands or for other promotional purposes).

Safeguards are beginning to be implemented around the world in a bid to protect those most vulnerable, such as children, from the harmful effects of social media abuse.

In the field of sport, the International Olympic Committee has implemented a service during Olympic Games which is designed to detect and respond to abuse against athletes. Harmful posts are flagged immediately, sometimes before the athlete has even seen them.

The IOC has also launched a Mindful Social Media e-learning programme for Olympic athletes, offering a range of strategies and techniques that encourage mindful use of social media.

So how should athletes respond if they are the targets of social media abuse?

Take a deep breath and stay calm

Don’t respond to abuse in the heat of the moment. Be sure to have all of the facts clear in your head before deciding whether to refute the abuse. If you do, make sure to stick to those facts. Don’t get drawn into trading abuse. Remain positive, polite and professional in your reply.

Report the abuse and/or seek help

Social media companies are obliged to keep their users safe. Social media abuse can be reported directly to the company via the app or social media site concerned. If the abuse concerns child sexual abuse or imagery, it can be reported directly and anonymously via the Internet Watch Foundation’s Reporting Portal.

Take screenshots of the abuse to use as evidence in case of a later investigation. If you, or your family or friends are in immediate danger as a result of the abuse, contact the emergency services in your country.

Check your settings/disable direct messaging

Social media channels allow you to block accounts and also to block words or phrases that you deem inappropriate. This is a proactive way of reducing abusive messages. You can also set your accounts to allow only those that follow you to comment.

You can:

·         Block abusive accounts

·         Adjust your profile settings to control who can see your profile, send you messages or comment on your posts

·         Filter inappropriate words and language, hashtags and emojis

·         Delete posts on your profile or hide them from specific people.

Following these tips will help you manage your social media accounts proactively, in a healthy, sustainable and mature way.

However, if the abuse persists, you can also report it to the BIU, using our confidential helpline.