In a significant move to protect athletes from online abuse, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced plans to collaborate with social media platforms. This initiative comes after tennis player Katie Boulter revealed the extent of abusive content and death threats she receives on social media.

The Scope of the Problem

Recent data from the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and Women's Tennis Association (WTA) indicates that in 2024 alone, approximately 8,000 abusive, violent, or threatening messages were sent publicly to 458 tennis players through their social media accounts. This alarming trend is not limited to tennis; football players, particularly women, are also frequent targets.

Athletes' Responses

Several England football players have expressed their intention to abandon social media during the upcoming European Championship in Switzerland. Lauren James, an England forward, shared her experiences of continuous abuse, stating, "The abuse never really stops. Sometimes it's not even related to my performance."

Government's Role

Starmer emphasized the need for immediate action. "We need to look at what more we can do, working with some of the platform providers, to see whether we can take further measures," he said. He also highlighted the importance of supporting athletes rather than subjecting them to abuse.

New Framework for Schools

During his visit to St George's Park, Starmer also unveiled a new School Sport Partnerships and Enrichment Framework. This initiative aims to ensure that all young people, especially girls, have equal access to high-quality sports and extracurricular activities.

Conclusion

The collaboration between the government and social media platforms is a crucial step towards creating a safer online environment for athletes. By addressing the root causes of social media abuse and implementing protective measures, we can support our sports stars and ensure they can focus on their performance without fear of harassment.