• UNFINISHED by Ellen White is an incomplete memoir designed to demonstrate the impact online hate can have on girls achieving their sporting potential
• It is the latest step from EE in their continued work in tackling all forms of online hate
• It follows new research that found 121 girls give up on their sporting story every day, due in part to the impact of online hate that 44% of girls are subject to
• For more information on how to combat online, visit eelearnsmart.co.uk

EE has today unveiled ‘UNFINISHED’, a new book written by former Lionesses striker Ellen White that shows the harmful impact of online hate on the sporting careers of girls. The latest campaign in EE’s ongoing mission to tackle all forms of hate, the incomplete autobiography imagines an alternative reality where the career of one of England’s most celebrated footballers is cut short, mimicking the impact that online abuse has on many girls around the country.

A recent YouGov survey, commissioned by EE, has revealed that 121 girls aged 13-19 in the UK give up on their sporting story every day, due in part to the impact of online hate that 44% of girls are subjected to*. In response to this finding, Ellen White has penned a debut autobiography, but the book comes with a crucial twist.

The book starts by documenting Ellen’s experiences as a child, enjoying her football and joining the Arsenal Women academy, notably expressing her disappointment at being banned from playing in the u10 boys’ team at Aylesbury Town. It goes on to describe her ascent to the Under 17’s England training camps and the daunting prospect of moving out of the family home to pursue her sporting dream.

However, at a crucial juncture, her story comes to an end before she can realise her sporting aspirations, highlighting the effect that social media has on young girls in 2024. In a particularly emotive segment, Ellen describes coming face to face with rejection and how that makes her feel.

Highlighting the impact of online hate and the influence it has on girls achieving their sporting potential, the campaign is focused on closing the book on hate for good. ‘UNFINISHED’ showcases an incredible career almost lost to hate, poignantly stopping at a point many girls all over the UK drop out of sport.

An audiobook of UNFINISHED will be available to download on Spotify. Ellen will also feature in content on EE’s LearnSmart Hub around the theme of resilience and determination.  

Ellen White, former England striker, said: “Online hate isn’t just words on a screen: it breaks and stifles potential. Through my own story, I hope to shed light on the impact of cyberbullying and empower girls so they never stop doing what they love.”

Kelly Engstrom, Brand & Demand Generation Communications Director, EE, said: “Our recent YouGov survey exposes a harsh and worrying truth: 121 girls give up on their sporting dreams daily, thanks to the toxic environment that online hate creates. ‘UNFINISHED’ isn’t just a book; it’s a poignant metaphor to demonstrate the damaging results of social media abuse. EE stands committed to eradicating online hate in all its forms, providing tools and support with EE Learn that help create a safe space so everyone can follow their passion, in sport and beyond.”

EE believes it is imperative for social media companies act now to protect users on their platforms. They will maintain the conversation by calling on these companies to take increased action and help the recently passed Online Safety Act drive real change, as well as educating people on the impact of online hate and how to protect themselves online.

This latest campaign is a continuation of EE’s work to create a safer digital world for all. Previously, EE Hope United worked closely with the government ‘to make the UK the safest place in the world to be online’ and for the Online Safety Act to do more to safeguard women and girls online.

Leading the charge for change, they teamed up with Glitch – the UK charity focused on ending online abuse and championing digital citizenship – and lobbied the House of Lords to namecheck women and girls in the Online Safety Act.

The Rt Hon Michelle Donelan MP, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, added, “The internet should not serve as a sanctuary for anonymous abuse, and online hate directed at athletes is simply unacceptable. Harassment affects not only the person on the receiving end but can spread a culture of hate, deterring our young people from pursuing their goals.

“I commend Ellen and EE for drawing attention to this important issue. As a Government, we have said enough is enough, and once fully implemented, our landmark Online Safety Act will legally require social media companies to protect users from the scourge of online abuse.”

For more information on how to combat online hate, visit eelearnsmart.co.uk.

Source: EE Newsroom
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