What to do when your child sees something inappropriate online

Please note: this guide is general information for parents, not medical, psychological or other professional advice, and it can’t take your child’s individual situation into account. If you’re worried about your child’s health, wellbeing or safety, speak to their school or a qualified professional such as your family doctor. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number.

If your child has seen something inappropriate online, your calm reaction is the most important thing — it decides whether they’ll come to you next time. Thank them for telling you, find out what they saw and how they feel, explain it in age-appropriate terms, and then take practical steps so it’s less likely to happen again.

In the moment: stay calm

• Take a breath before reacting. Shock or anger can feel like blame.
• Say: “Thank you for telling me. You’re not in trouble.”
• Ask open questions: “What did you see? How did you find it? How did it make you feel?”
• Don’t immediately take the device away — it can teach them to hide things next time.

What to say by age

Ages 6–9

Keep it simple and reassuring: “Some things on the internet are made for grown-ups and aren’t good for children to see. You did the right thing coming to me.” Keep the conversation short and check in later.

Ages 10–12

Give a little more explanation, acknowledge their feelings, and talk about what to do next time: close it, come and tell you. Answer questions honestly at their level.

Teens

Treat them as capable of a real conversation. Talk about why some content is harmful or unrealistic, and about consent and respect. Keep it non-judgemental so they’ll keep talking.

Practical next steps

1. Find out how it happened — a search, a pop-up, a link from someone, a video recommendation.
2. Report the content to the platform if appropriate.
3. Review filters and settings on the device — see how to set up parental controls.
4. Agree a simple plan for next time: “Turn it over, close it, come and get me.”
5. Check in over the following days.

When to get extra support

If your child seems very upset, has trouble sleeping, or keeps thinking about what they saw, talk to your family doctor or school about further support.

Prevent and prepare

• Devices in shared spaces for younger children.
• Age-appropriate filters and settings.
• Regular, relaxed conversations about life online — see how to keep kids safe online.
• A family promise: telling never gets you into trouble.

Safer screens can also be smarter screens: set any AI app up to explain and quiz rather than to answer anything. See the AI Tutor Vault.

Frequently asked questions

Next steps

If it has just happened: focus on calm, listening and the practical steps above. If not: have a short conversation this week about what your child would do if they saw something upsetting online.