The PPF has partnered with B5 Consultancy to produce a set of educational resources for players to encourage a healthy experience of social media. These are designed to complement the education programmes and wellbeing support services provided by Player Associations for players who continue to suffer too much online abuse.
The new material gives top tips on how sportspeople can healthily manage social media and best deal with online abuse. The PPF and B5 Consultancy have also produced a series of short ‘How To’ explainer videos providing practical guidance for athletes on how to adjust their social media settings and habits to protect themselves.
Matt Himsworth, Director of B5 Consultancy, said:
"Dealing with online abuse and negativity has become a sad reality for a lot of athletes but it is empowering to take better control. The tools exist, online and offline, and once they are mastered, social media can be a better place.”
One player who has used her experience of online abuse to help others is Ceila Quansah, a former Rugby Sevens player and member of the Rugby Players Association. Celia is an Associate Director for B5 Consultancy and tells her personal story in one of the films, saying:
"Social media has been an important part of my time as a rugby player and as a public figure. When abuse hits you, it hits you hard, so I am passionate about helping athletes to enjoy it and maximise it and to protect themselves.”
Simon Taylor, PPF Chief Executive, said:
“Professional athletes continue to face social media abuse almost every day. It is essential that athletes know how to manage their social media to add value to their careers whilst protecting themselves from the harms. This education will help support players make informed choices around their social media use and the support available through their Player Associations.”
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