How a sports club can respond to cyberbullying
For club leaders and coaches
A parent calls the club: their son is being mocked in a group chat by other players from the team. Screenshots are being shared. The coach did not know. What happens in the next few days will matter to everyone involved — the young person targeted, the players involved, and the team.
What cyberbullying is
UNICEF describes cyberbullying as bullying using digital technologies — on social media, messaging, gaming platforms and phones — and as repeated behaviour aimed at scaring, angering or shaming the person targeted. Examples it lists include spreading lies or embarrassing photos, sending hurtful messages, and impersonating someone. It also notes that online and face-to-face bullying often happen alongside each other, which is very relevant to a team that meets several times a week.
Why it can feel inescapable
The same UNICEF explainer points out that online bullying can feel like being attacked everywhere, even at home. For a young athlete, it can also make training — usually a safe, positive place — feel like somewhere to avoid. Clubs should take reports seriously even when the messages were sent outside club time.
A calm response, step by step
- Listen first. Thank the young person or parent for telling you, and avoid promising outcomes you cannot guarantee.
- Keep evidence. UNICEF notes that cyberbullying leaves a digital footprint that can help stop the abuse. Ask the family to keep screenshots; do not ask anyone to forward images of others.
- Check your safeguarding policy and involve your club’s welfare or safeguarding lead. Follow your national sports body’s procedures.
- Speak separately with the players involved and, for minors, their parents. Focus on the behaviour and its effect, not on labels.
- Agree what changes now: in the chat, at training, and how the situation will be checked again.
- Encourage reporting on the platform as well, and know where to point families for further support.
Different perspectives in the room
The targeted young person may want it to stop without a fuss. Their parents may want visible consequences. The players involved may genuinely believe it was a joke. The coach may worry about the team. A good response recognises each of these without letting any of them excuse the behaviour.
Prevention is cheaper than repair
Clubs that talk regularly about online behaviour, set clear expectations, and make it easy to report concerns usually find problems earlier. Bystanders matter too: teammates who say ‘that’s enough’ in the chat, or quietly tell an adult, are showing team spirit in its most useful form.
An important limit
This article is general educational information, not legal or professional advice. If a young person may be at risk, follow your safeguarding procedures and contact the appropriate local services or helplines without delay.
Sources
Educational information only. Not medical, psychological or legal advice.