How to respond when a young athlete says they’ve experienced gender-based violence online
As a coach or someone involved in youth sports, you’re more than a leader on the field or court – you’re a trusted adult in the lives of young people. You play a vital role in shaping their values and confidence, in addition to supporting their well-being. One of the ways you can support the young athletes in your life is knowing how to react and respond to challenging situations surrounding gender-based violence, specifically when it happens online.
Gender-based violence, or GBV for short, is any act of violence based on someone’s gender, gender expression, gender identity or perceived gender. It stems from gender inequality, abuse of power, and harmful stereotypes. When it happens online, it is often called technology-facilitated gender-based violence, or TFGBV.
It is important to understand TFGBV and how to support your young athletes so that they feel heard, supported, and empowered.
What is technology-facilitated gender-based violence?
In today’s evolving digital landscape, with people more online than ever, technology-facilitated gender-based violence has become more prevalent among youth– something that previous generations were not subjected to. TFGBV can be deeply distressing, leading to anxiety, fear, and trauma for young athletes. As a coach, recognizing the signs and understanding key terms to provide compassionate support is essential. Here are some examples of online gender-based violence:
Cyberbullying: Involves using technology to harm, intimidate, or embarrass someone. It can include spreading rumours, leaving mean comments, or sending threatening messages.
Non-consensual sharing of intimate images: When one shares or distributes intimate images without the consent of the person in them, which can cause significant harm and distress.
Doxing: When someone publicly shares another person’s private information to harm them. The information can include their full name, address, social security number, or bank account number.
Sextortion: When someone uses a sexual photo or video to blackmail or coerce someone else into doing what they want. For example, they may threaten to share a nude or semi-nude photo of someone unless that person gives them money.
Online harassment: When someone is subjected repeatedly to offensive or hurtful messages, comments, or posts based on their gender. It can also involve stalking, hate speech, or sharing inappropriate content with a gender-based focus.
Swatting: When someone sends an emergency law enforcement response (for example, a SWAT team) to a victim under false pretenses. This is done by calling emergency lines like 911 and falsely reporting a violent emergency.
How to support athletes experiencing technology-facilitated gender-based violence
How you respond when a young athlete tells you about experiencing TFGBV can make a big difference in how they cope and get help. You can reinforce that they aren’t alone by listening without judgement, validating their feelings, and guiding them toward safety. Remember to talk to your team about being responsible internet users and standing up against online harassment when they see it. Here are some ways you can support them and help them navigate their time online:
Recognize the signs of trauma and GBV
Trauma is the brain and body’s response to stressful events or situations like abuse, bullying, racism, or discrimination. For young people, the effects of trauma can show up in different ways.
- As a coach, be aware of sudden changes in behaviour, such as a sudden fear of being online, avoiding social media, or expressing distress about messages they receive. They may also experience mood changes, difficulty concentrating, or withdrawal.
- Make sure your young athletes are aware of the signs of TFGBV, like receiving hurtful or threatening messages, feeling monitored or controlled, or being coerced into sharing intimate images.
Help them secure their privacy settings
- Show them how to adjust their privacy settings on social media to limit who can see their posts and personal information. Encourage them to review and update these settings regularly.
- Remind them to only accept friend or follow requests from people they know.
- Discuss how some interactions can become harmful, even if they know the other person well – and that it’s okay to block someone if they need to.
Encourage them to protect their personal information
- Help them understand the risks of sharing personal details like their location, school name, or phone number online. If they think their information may have been shared without consent, direct them to resources that can help remove it.
- Encourage them to report harmful content through platform reporting tools or even school authorities if necessary.
Guide them to additional support
- Let them know they’re not alone and that it’s okay to seek help. Encourage them to trust their gut – if they think something feels wrong, it probably is.
- Connect them with trusted adults, school counselors, and helplines that specialize in supporting young people facing online abuse like Get help now – Canada.ca.
In case of emergency
If a young athlete is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency services. Your role is to ensure their safety. Remember to stay calm, listen without judgment, and let them know help is available. If it’s not an emergency but they need support, connect them with a trusted resource, such as a local crisis line or support organization.
Resources available to you
As a coach, being supportive and informed about technology-facilitated GBV can empower your young athletes to navigate the digital world feeling more secure. Your guidance can help them take the right steps to protect themselves, seek help when needed, and stand up against online GBV. For more resources about gender-based violence and workbooks for young people, visit WAGE’s Gender-Based Violence learning modules for youth. For more information on technology-facilitated gender-based violence and how to respond to a young person seeking help, check out WAGE’s fact sheet on TFGBV.
