Just like in the real world, there are people, places, and online spaces that can be harmful or dangerous for young people.
Harmful content can include live news, violence, sexualised material, and a range of other enticing activities that can harm young people physically and emotionally.
According to the 2022 Ofcom Online Nation report, 62% of internet users aged 13+ have encountered at least one potential harm online in the last month, with the most common potential harms encountered being scams, fraud and phishing. However, only 20% of parents have reported their child telling them about seeing something upsetting or scary online.
On average, the number of potential harms experienced in the last four weeks was three.
Ofcom highlight three types of harms:
What a young person can do if they stumble across scary, negative, or disturbing content
- Stop - Immediately stop what they are doing and turn off their screen or shut down their device.
- Think - Try not to focus on what they saw in detail. Remember that there is no immediate danger, and they are safe.
- Talk - They should find a trusted adult or a friend and talk about what they saw.
Top Tips For You
Naturally engage the child using non-judgmental language and encourage them to be honest and open. Asking them what they know about a topic or issue means you can gauge just how much detail is needed. It’s usually better to not approach the subject directly. This helps you avoid talking about or introducing topics they might not otherwise have known about.
You should reassure children in your care by telling them they can always talk to you about issues, even if they are worried or scared. In this section, you will learn more about the different types of harmful content and how you can make a report.