Bullying After a Tough Loss

For student-athletes, the aftermath of a tough loss can be emotionally challenging,

especially when the pressure to perform is amplified online. Social media provides an

outlet for fans, friends, and the anonymous to express opinions, and unfortunately, this

can sometimes lead to online bullying. As a coach, you can guide your athletes in

managing and overcoming the negative effects of online harassment. Here are a few

actionable strategies student-athletes can use to navigate this challenging experience:

1. Validate Their Feelings

Always acknowledge the emotional toll a loss can have on your athletes. Whether they

were directly blamed for the defeat or just feel the weight of the loss, their feelings are

valid. Encourage open communication and ensure they know it’s okay to feel upset,

frustrated, or angry. Validating feelings can make them feel heard and less isolated.

2. Encourage Positive Self-Talk

Online bullying can amplify self-doubt and insecurity. Remind your athletes to refocus

on their strengths and past successes, both on and off the field. One loss doesn’t define

his/her abilities or the future. Teaching them how to replace negative comments with

positive affirmations can empower them to rise above hurtful online interactions.

3. Set Boundaries with Social Media

Student-athletes are going to want to check social media after a loss, yet this temptation

can often lead to more pain. Advise them to take a temporary break from social media

or adjust their privacy settings to limit negative exposure. This pause can give them a

chance to self-regulate their own emotions. Encourage them to unfollow or block toxic

accounts that contribute to their distress. It might also be worth setting a team policy or

personal boundary that discourages engaging with online critics. This works best when

there is buy-in from your team leaders.

4. Offer Support Networks

The emotional impact of online bullying can be lessened when athletes have a strong

support network. Ensure that your athletes feel they have people to turn to, whether it’s

teammates, friends, family, or even a counselor. Encouraging peer support within the

team can foster a sense of community, reminding athletes that they are not alone in

their struggles.

5. Teach Resilience and Digital Literacy

Resilience rules the day. Equip your athletes with tools to build resilience in the face of

online negativity. This includes understanding that criticism is often a reflection of others & opinions, not an objective truth. Remind them it’s easy to be a critical outsider. It’s hard

to be in the ring doing the work. Provide resources on digital literacy and safety,

teaching them how to manage their online presence and respond appropriately to trolls

without escalating conflict.

6. Report and Block

It’s crucial that athletes know when and how to report online bullying. Most social media

platforms have mechanisms to report harassment, and it’s important that your athletes

feel empowered to use these tools when necessary. Remind them that blocking toxic

individuals is a form of self-care and that their mental health should always be a priority.

It would also be advantageous for open communication of these issues with the coach.

Losses can sting, but it’s much more painful when coupled with online bullying and

criticism. With the right tools and support, student-athletes can navigate this challenge

successfully. As a coach, your role is to offer a safe space for your athletes to express

their emotions, provide strategies for managing online negativity, and guide them in

building resilience both on and off the field. It is not realistic to eradicate the online

presence of negativity. However, with your help, they can overcome the emotional

hurdles and come out stronger, ready for the next challenge.