Three-time Wimbledon Champion Andy Murray Advocates for Social Media Restriction for Children, Citing Harmful Content

Three-time Wimbledon champion, Andy Murray, expressed his concern about the negative impact of social media on children, particularly in the context of the online abuse faced by athletes. His comments come in the wake of British tennis player Katie Boulter's revelations about the harmful and degrading comments she has received, including death threats.

In an interview with BBC Sport, Murray, 38, who retired from professional tennis in 2024, mentioned that he is making an effort to keep his four children away from social media until they are much older due to its potential damaging effects. His eldest child is nine, while his youngest is four.

Murray acknowledges that the prevalence of social media abuse "hasn't really changed," despite athletes discussing the issue for many years. He believes that something needs to be done soon to address this issue.

Murray, who won the Wimbledon championship in 2013 and 2016, stated that by the end of his career he became immune to hostility online, but found it difficult when he started out as a professional. He commended Boulter for speaking out about the issue, emphasizing the importance of athletes discussing it publicly.

When asked about potential solutions to eradicate toxic abuse, Murray admitted that he is unsure about the specific steps that could be taken. However, he and his wife are attempting to keep their children off social media until they are much older.

Technology firms will be required to protect young people from harmful content under the Government's Online Safety Act, which is being introduced in phases. Social media platforms are now obliged to protect users from illegal or harmful content, while more child safety measures are set to be introduced next month.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also expressed the government's intention to explore further protective measures on social media platforms. Data science firm Signify, the International Tennis Federation (ITF), and Women's Tennis Association (WTA) revealed that in 2024, about 8,000 abusive, violent, or threatening messages were sent publicly to 458 tennis players through their social media accounts.

Following Boulter's comments, fellow tennis players have called for action, including the introduction of identity verification. Several members of the England women's football team also plan to give up social media for their forthcoming European Championship defense in Switzerland.

Murray questioned whose responsibility it is to tackle online abuse, suggesting that it could be the government's role to do more, or tech giants like Elon Musk could take additional measures to prevent abusive messages from reaching individuals. However, he acknowledged the debate around free speech, finding it a complex issue.

Murray also suggested that athletes could help themselves by avoiding looking at comments and putting down their phones immediately after matches. He acknowledged that the solution cannot solely lie with athletes but emphasized the need for a collective approach to address this issue.

Former British tennis player Naomi Broady, 35, shared her experiences of online abuse, stating that she no longer shows her children's faces on social media due to the trolling she has encountered.

Murray also discussed his involvement in the LTA's Park Tennis Project, which has refurbished tennis courts across 1,000 parks in England, Scotland, and Wales. He expressed hope for a similar project focusing on covered courts as the next step to enable children to play tennis during the winter.

Murray also shared his support for British number one Jack Draper, who will be the fourth seed at Wimbledon this year. He believes Draper will handle the pressure well, given his previous experiences in challenging environments and under pressure. Murray, who was previously Novak Djokovic's coach, has no plans to attend Wimbledon this year but may reconsider based on the tournament's results.

It was confirmed this week that the All England Club intends to have a statue of Murray in place at the Grand Slam tournament's grounds by 2027.

Related topics: Tennis, Jack Draper, Wimbledon, Online Abuse, Child Protection, Social Media, LTA's Park Tennis Project.