While most of what your child encounters online will be fun and educational, there’s always a risk they may come across something inappropriate. This could include content meant for older audiences or messages encouraging unsafe behaviour. Some content may even be illegal, such as nude or semi-nude images of children or sexual messages directed at them.
Knowing how to respond calmly can make a big difference in helping your child feel safe and understood.
What are the potential risks?
Children may encounter inappropriate content in different ways. They could be sent it, search for it out of curiosity, or it could be accidental, like a pop up.
Some children may feel affected by what they’ve seen, such as being upset, whilst other may not. . Children may also feel embarrassed or worry they’ll be blamed for viewing inappropriate content, which can make it harder for them to talk about it.
How can I help my child?
Stay calm
If you have discovered that your child has seen inappropriate content you may feel angry or upset. If they have been searching for inappropriate content, you may also feel shock or denial. These reactions are ok, but it’s important to remain calm and support your child.
Take a moment to process your emotions before speaking with your child. For example, talk to another adult about what has happened and how you are feeling.
Talk and listen
Find a good time to talk. Reassure your child that you are there for them. Make sure they know that you don’t blame them for what they have seen or searched for.
Let them tell you what happened. Did they stumble onto the content accidentally? Were they curious and went looking for it, or did someone send it to them?
Agree on what to do next
Work together to take positive steps. You can set parental controls to help filter inappropriate content.
Report the content; most inappropriate content can be reported directly to the platform. Sexual or violent content that appears in adverts, films, television programmes or video games can be reported to Ofcom.
If the content is a nude or semi-nude image of a child this should be reported to the police.
Keep the conversation going by checking in regularly to see how your child is feeling.