Online abuse in football
While social media can be a great way to follow your football club and connect with other fans, we know that being on social media can mean you are exposed to online abuse. We have put together some advice about what you can do to stay safe online, the support available to you if you have experienced online abuse and how to report it. Remember that whoever you support, Mind is here to support you.
Staying safe online
We have created a guide called Online Mental Health, which explains the benefits and challenges to your mental health when online, and gives ideas for looking after yourself and getting support. It also provides information on staying safe and getting the balance right between your online and offline life.
If you work or volunteer in football, our Mental Health and Physical Activity Toolkit includes a guide on ‘Safeguarding and mental health’ (Guide 9). This provides additional information on keeping people with mental health problems safe online.
Reporting abuse
Get Safe Online provides advice about reporting trolling, cyberstalking and other forms of online abuse to the relevant organisations.
Kick It Out allows you to report incidents of online discrimination in football, from grass-roots through to the professional game.
Social media companies like Instagram, Twitter and Facebook have reporting systems in place aimed at removing inappropriate content. By reporting, you may prompt them to simply remove the content and to even close down the account. Read more about how to report abuse to social media companies on Bullies Out.
Support from Mind
Mind website: We have a wide range of online resources covering all aspects of looking after your mental health and where to get further support if you are experiencing a mental health problem.
Side by Side: Side by Side is a supportive online community where you can feel at home talking about your mental health and connect with others who understand what you are going through.
Local Minds: Local Minds provide mental health services in local communities across England and Wales.
