The messages may have a more significant effect on the victim because they are written down, can be seen multiple times and the level of aggression and intent behind such messages is not necessarily known by the reader.

The distinction in status between online interactions and the outside world is disappearing, as social media becomes an integral part of life for most. The argument that a person can simply switch off the platform becomes more difficult as this integration increases.

The decision to boycott social media platforms by high profile sports personalities and organisations comes after tolerating what is described as online racial abuse, for years.

Would it be tolerated if following an AGM the shareholders sent a series of grossly offensive and racial insults to the Chairman? I suspect not. The abuse reported has been received by those for whom sport is their employment, but for some reason has been seen as part of being a high profile social media user.

The organisations that run the platforms and apps are said to be failing to prevent abusive messages or impose repercussions for the senders.

Is there a difference between standing in a football ground hurling racist abuse and sitting on a social media platform doing the same?

The Government is proposing a Bill to address online abuse but what is the current legal position? What protection can the law provide? What should you do if you are on the receiving end?

What should you do and why?

• Take a screenshot or save the messages to another device (USB/laptop sync). There is a time limit of 3 years from the date of the offence for s.127 prosecutions.
• Report the abuse to the police. Racial grossly offensive or menacing abuse is a hate crime and will be logged as such.
• You are unlikely to be aware of whether the sender is part of an orchestrated plan involving many victims. Your report may be a significant part of an overall picture.
• Don’t put on a brave face. Describe the true effect the messages had on you. The tendency to minimise the effect for understandable self-preservation hides the real impact of the abuse.
• Inform the service provider and block the sender.

The law is changing to reflect unacceptable behaviour whilst maintaining the freedom of expression that is fundamental to society. The boycotting of social media for four days may seem a moderate protest, but is to be commended by all.