Offensive and Illegal Activity Online
CyberBullying
Some people do use social media specifically to bully others. Whether it’s cruel comments on pictures, nasty messages or a dedicated hate group, online bullying can be very hurtful and can feel harder to escape than offline bullying. Fortunately, just about all the major social media platforms come with tools for blocking other users and reporting abuse.
Inappropriate contact with an adult online
If you know or suspect your child has been communicating with an adult online who has tried to do any of the following, report it to CEOP, part of the National Crime Agency:
- talked about sex or other inappropriate sexual activity;
- asked them to do something that makes them feel uncomfortable, such as send them a naked or partially-clothed image;
- asked them to meet them offline;
- asked them to lie to their parents about, or tried to hide, their online relationship.
Hateful or sexually inappropriate content
You can report directly to the content provider, such as a social media or online video provider, asking them to remove hate-filled or overly sexualised content.
Most social media platforms have simple processes in place for reporting inappropriate content. Try searching for 'Report', or look through their terms and conditions, or 'Help' section.
Mobile phone content
Report any unsuitable online content (film, still images or even plain text) that your child sees using their mobile phone to your mobile operator. If the mobile operator requires further advice, the query will be passed to the British Board of Film Classification.
Images of child sexual abuse
Sadly, anyone can stumble across online child sexual abuse images and videos if you do, you can make an anonymous and confidential report to the Internet Watch Foundation.