Insights on responses to children experiencing online harm and abuse

The internet is a place where children can play, learn and connect with others. However, it can also put them at risk of abuse and harm. When a child experiences abuse or harm online it can be challenging to know the best way to respond.

This briefing uses insights from Childline counselling sessions and NSPCC Helpline contacts to share the types of responses children receive after they have told someone about their experiences of online harm or abuse.

Childline heard about the responses children had from:

• peers
• parents
• schools
• the police
• online platforms.

Children talked to us about positive and negative experiences and the different forms of practical and emotional support they received.

NSPCC Helpline heard from parents wanting advice on how to respond and how to improve their initial response.

Key topics children and adults talked to us about were:

• feeling supported and heard
• making decisions about next steps
• removal of devices (like phones and laptops)
• discussing “online relationships”
• dealing with secretive online activity.