Esafety - Dealing with distressing content online
Support for young people viewing violent and distressing online content
eSafety is aware that distressing material is circulating online showing the fatal shooting at Utah Valley University, which occurred earlier this week.
Young people who encounter content like this online may be struggling to come to terms with what they have read and seen. It is normal for them to have questions or feel unsettled, and your support can make a big difference.
Online spaces should be safe for everyone. If a 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 engaging with online.
Here are some practical steps Australians can take if they come across this type of material online:
- Report it to the platform: Most major services have reporting tools for violent and graphic content. Using these tools means harmful material can be flagged and removed quickly.
- Report it to eSafety: Australians can lodge a complaint via esafety.gov.au.
- Do not share the video: Even if your intent is to raise awareness, reposting graphic material increases the risk of trauma and amplifies harm.
You can find more guidance and information about distressing online content below.
We know that at challenging times, schools become hubs of support for their communities, with students, staff and families often seeking advice. eSafety has the necessary support and guidance, to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated approach to responding to emerging issues.
There are precautions that we can take to prevent children seeing disturbing content online. eSafety has a range of helpful resources.
For parents and carers
For kids and young people
- I saw something online I didn't like (for primary-school aged children)
- Dealing with disturbing content (for young people)
For educators
eSafety’s Toolkit for Schools supports schools to create safer online environments and be prepared with processes in place when incidents do happen.
The Respond modules provide guidance on reporting requirements, minimising harm and supporting wellbeing. By being informed and prepared, we can all contribute to reducing the risk of children and young people being exposed to this content, and support those who are.
Other resources include:
If your child, student, or someone you know, has come across disturbing content online, there are a range of counselling services you can reach out to for help and support.
If a life is in danger call Triple Zero (000) right now.
- Kids Helpline, for 5–25-year-olds: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au (webchat is also available).
- headspace: support for young people, professionals, educators and families
- Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au
Find more information on support services, including state-based services for parents and carers at eSafety.gov.au.
We hope the information above has been useful, and that it provides some practical support for Australian children and families.