Supporting children and young people after seeing distressing content online
Online spaces should be safe for everyone, but you may sometimes come across content that is distressing. This could include content that depicts harm or violence.
Some of this content may be illegal, and under Australian law the eSafety Commissioner can issue a takedown notice to a platform to remove the content or block access to protect Australian users from viewing this content.
It is important that you do not share harmful or violent content posted online, even if your intention is to help raise awareness. You may cause distress to others.
If you or your child have seen disturbing content online, talking to someone can make it easier to deal with its impact.
Some places you can seek help include:
- Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au
- Headspace, for 12 to 25 year olds, on 1800 650 890, 08 8931 5999 or headspace.org.au
- Kids Helpline, for 5-25 year olds, on 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au (webchat is also available)
- Lifeline on 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
- NT Mental Health Line on 1800 682 288
- Parent Line on 1300 301 300 or parentline.com.au
- 1800 RESPECT (domestic and family violence) on 1800 737 732 or 1800respect.org.au
- 13YARN (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) 13 92 76 or 13yarn.org.au
More support services, including state-based services aimed at parents, are listed on esafety.gov.au website.
For more information, read the factsheet PDF (99.3 KB) and visit eSafety.gov.au to learn more about support services, parental resources and the reporting of harmful or violent materials online.
