eSmart News

What To Do If You See Distressing Content Online

Support for Australian families

Following the distressing events of the last several days, young people might be struggling to come to terms with what they have read and seen online. 

Online spaces should be safe for everyone. If your child sees violent or distressing material, it is important to check in and talk to them about the content they have seen. We also recommend that children use devices in open areas of the home, rather than in their bedroom, so you can be attuned to how they are coping and what they are reading or watching.

Tips on how to deal with violent and distressing content

• Don't share it further – even if your intention is to help or raise awareness, you may cause distress to others.
• Report it to the platform to help get the material removed quickly.
• If the material is not removed, you can report it to eSafety. eSafety can notify the platform to either remove the content or block access from within Australia. Your actions could protect you and others from seeing that content again.

You can find more guidance and information about distressing online content below. 

Distressing or violent content | How to get help | eSafety Commissioner