1
Close the content
Don't look at it anymore and don't try to understand everything on your own.
I am:
GUIDE · ABOUT 8 MIN.
Disturbing Content
Close it, don’t share it, ask for help — without shame.
Outcome: A clear action plan for kids, teens, and parents.
For children, teens, parents, and caregiversLast reviewed: 2026-07-14
On the internet, you might come across images, videos, or messages that can be scary, disturbing, embarrassing, or stick in your mind for a long time.
Sometimes these kinds of content appear unexpectedly. Other times, someone might send them on purpose or try to pressure you.
It's not the child's fault for seeing something like this.
It's important to close the content, not share it further, and seek support.
AI-generated contentWhat Disturbing Content Can Be
- Violence or injuries
- Sexual or age-inappropriate content
- Hate and harmful content
- Self-harm or suicide-related content
- Animal cruelty
- Extreme fear or shock videos
- Humiliation or public shaming
- Deepfakes or manipulated images
- Content that intentionally causes pressure, shame, or disgust
- Content sent to someone against the child's will
Not every disturbing image affects every child in the same way. What matters is how the child feels, whether the content appears repeatedly, and if someone is pressuring, threatening, or contacting them about it.
Take Action Now
2
Don't forward it
Don't send it to friends as a warning or a joke.
3
Create some distance
Put your device down for a moment, take a deep breath, and go to a safe space.
4
Talk to a trusted adult
Tell a parent, teacher, or another trusted adult about it.
5
Block and report the source
Block the account, channel, or post and report it on the platform.
6
Get help
If the content is very scary, keeps coming back, or involves pressure and threats, seek professional support.
For Parents and Caregivers
The first reaction influences whether the child will continue to share.
1
Stay Calm
Visible panic, anger, or disgust can make a child feel ashamed or hesitant to share information.
2
Thank Them
This shows that sharing is safe.
“Thank you for telling me. You won’t get in trouble.”
3
Don’t Push for Unnecessary Details
Ask only as much as needed for safety and next steps.
4
Understand the Situation
Helpful questions without interrogation:
- Was the content unexpected or sent by someone?
- Do you know the sender?
- Is there pressure, threats, or secrecy involved?
- Was the content forwarded?
- Is it happening repeatedly?
- How are you feeling right now?
- What do you need right now?
5
Check Safety and Accounts
Block, report, check privacy settings, and review passwords or connected devices if necessary.
6
Follow Up
Talk to the child again later instead of closing the topic after one response.
A good start: "You don’t have to tell me everything right away. I want to understand what happened and how I can help you."
Go to the conversation guidePlease don't
- don't shame them
- don't say, 'Why did you look at that?'
- don't take away the device right away
- don't ask the child to reopen the content
- don't unnecessarily copy or forward it
- don't post it publicly
- don't rush to confront other families or people
- don't promise that everything can be removed immediately
- don't assume the child is exaggerating
Block and Report
In many cases, some technical information is enough to make a report.
- Platform
- Profile Name
- Profile Link
- Date and Time
- Type of Content
- whether the content was sent directly
- whether there are threats or attempts to contact
- previous reports made on the platform
Do not download, copy, or share disturbing, sexual, or violent content unnecessarily.
If a minor is depicted in sexualized content, use official reporting channels and follow their instructions.
When the content sticks in your mind
After encountering disturbing content, you might temporarily experience:
- fear
- disgust
- shame
- unease
- sleep problems
- recurrent thoughts
- avoiding the app
- increased vigilance
- talk to someone you trust
- don't stay alone
- put your device away for a while
- choose a calming activity
- leave the light on or the door open if it makes you feel safe
- turn off app notifications
- block the upsetting account
- stick to your regular evening routine
Avoid phrases like 'Just forget it.'
If the distress continues or significantly affects daily life, seek professional support.
Get extra help right away if
- the content involves threats or blackmail
- someone is asking for sexual pictures
- a meeting is being requested
- the sender knows the child's address or school
- self-harm or suicide is mentioned
- the child wants to harm themselves
- the child no longer wants to be alone
- intense fear or panic persists
- the content is being sent repeatedly against the child's will
- an adult is contacting the child in a sexual manner
- intimate content of a child is being shared
Limit Repeated Content
Filters can reduce disturbing content, but they can't completely prevent it.
Filters can reduce disturbing content, but they can't completely prevent it.
To the right app safety guideWhat’s important next
Related Resources
Conversation Guides
How to start, what to ask, what to avoid — and how to respond to anger, silence, or shame.
Help Lines
International helplines and official resources — filter by country.
Cyberbullying
Immediate steps for kids and teens — and calm, clear support for parents.
Sextortion
Don't pay. Don't send more pictures. Get help — without feeling guilty.
Unknown Contact
Protect private information, recognize warning signs, and seek help in time.
App Safety Guides
Privacy, messaging, contacts, purchases, and family features — explained step by step for the most important apps.
Privacy Check-Up
A quick check for profiles, messages, location, and device access — no security guarantee.
AI Safety
Use AI wisely, verify information, and protect personal data.
This guide provides general educational information. It does not replace medical, psychological, legal, or emergency assistance.