French athletes participating in the Paris Olympics will receive increased protection for their mental health, particularly in response to the rise in online harassment and cyberbullying. The French Sports Minister, Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, is collaborating with other ministries to enhance mental health support for athletes. With the Paris Games taking place from July 26 to August 11, and the Paralympics from August 28 to September 8, priority is being placed on addressing online harassment and cyberbullying threats.
Oudéa-Castéra and Secretary of State for Digital Affairs, Marina Ferrari, are focused on ensuring mental health is a priority at the upcoming Olympics. The threat of cyberbullying is considered a significant risk to mental health, especially for high-profile athletes who constantly find themselves in the public eye. A study conducted by France’s National Institute of Sport, Expertise, and Performance revealed that 15% of athletes have shown signs of high anxiety or depression, with psychological difficulties often beginning as early as age 17. Factors contributing to mental health issues include separation from family, pressure from fans and sponsors, as well as the fear of failure and constant scrutiny on social media.
To address these concerns, measures are being implemented to safeguard the mental health of athletes. A dedicated section on the France.sport website will provide practical advice and a self-evaluation questionnaire for athletes seeking support. This initiative will continue beyond the Games and is also available for coaching staff. INSEP and other French sports organizations are collaborating on raising awareness on mental health risks faced by athletes. Plans also include collaborating with social networking platforms to further protect athletes online.
As part of the mental health support initiatives, plans are in place to develop and support the profession of Mental Coaches who work closely with athletes to enhance their mental preparation for improved performance. The Olympic Village in Saint-Denis will have safeguarding and welfare officers onsite during the Games, offering assistance to athletes and staff facing mental health challenges. Additionally, an online application called Bodyguard is being used by sports organizations to enhance online protection for athletes, including filtering private messages if desired.
Ferrari emphasizes the importance of providing athletes with a sense of safety and support during challenging times, given the increased risks they face due to the nature of their profession. The goal is to ensure athletes feel cared for as they navigate the pressures and demands of their careers. Continued discussions are planned with major social networking platforms to further enhance mental health support for athletes. The focus on mental health at the Paris Olympics underscores the commitment to prioritizing the well-being of athletes and fostering a supportive environment for optimal performance.
