Better Internet for Kids

Minors are confronted with drastic images.

A website that shows videos and photos of dying people is currently becoming popular online. Although the website states in its own rules that the content is only suitable for people over the age of 18, there is no age verification mechanism in place. This means that children and young people can also visit the site and are confronted with very shocking images.

Why do children and young people consume such content?

• Lust for the forbidden. The shocking images get the adrenalin pumping, because death is still a taboo subject. Children and young people also test their own limits when looking at such sites, which is a normal aspect of growing up.
• Overcoming trauma. Children and young people who have fled from armed conflicts may use this content to try to understand and process their own traumatic experiences.
• Social aspect. Consuming this content together can strengthen the group's sense of togetherness: sharing shocking images can be experienced as a shared adventure.

How can adult carers provide support?

Unfortunately, problematic content like this can be found on the internet over and over again. There is no absolute protection against content that is unsuitable for children and young people - it is therefore best to focus on education and open dialogue to support young users in dealing with such disturbing images.

When children and young people turn to adults of their own accord, they need to talk. In such cases, allow the child to talk first and try to put yourself in their shoes - without any judgement. Show interest in the child's motives, ask questions and think together about what the child could do. Let the child know that you appreciate them coming to you with such problems - this increases the likelihood that they will turn to you again in the future.

Practical tips for parents and caregivers

• Avoid accusations. Make sure you keep an open attitude during the conversation and do not judge the child too quickly. You can certainly convey that you do not approve of the content consumed, but avoid scolding or belittling the child for their behaviour.
• Point out specific options for action. Discuss what strategies there are for dealing with the disturbing content - for example, deleting photos and videos received via messenger services or similar, not looking at them in the first place or not sharing the content and websites further. For younger children, drawing together can also help them to process the content better.
• Strengthen self-confidence. Sometimes problematic websites or individual content spreads when children or young people challenge each other as part of challenges and tests of courage ("Do you dare to look at this?"). Convey to the child that it is also courageous to say "no" and to stand up to peer pressure.
• Provide support for sleep problems. If the child is unable to sleep due to the content they have consumed, try to comfort them and reassure them that it is safe. If the child is already older, you can consider together what strategies there are to help them calm down again - for example, thinking about something nice, looking at funny things, doing meditation and relaxation exercises, listening to calming music, etc. 

Talk about problematic content on the internet even without a specific reason. However, make sure that you do not cause further interest in such content by making it a topic of discussion. 

Find out more about the work of the Austrian Safer Internet Centre, including its awareness raising, helpline, hotline and youth participation services – or find similar information for Safer Internet Centres throughout Europe.