Adults
Reaching Out for Help and Support
Staying safe online
Navigating online risks
Spending time online can be engaging, but not all experiences are positive. You may encounter upsetting situations or feel pressured into doing something you are not comfortable with. When this happens, remember you do not have to handle it alone.
Why is it important to reach out for help?
Some online situations can feel confusing or overwhelming, especially if they involve people you know or thought you could trust. You might feel unsure about what to do, concerned about potential consequences or feel it is easier to ignore the situation.
Keeping things to yourself can make the situation harder to manage and may have long-term effects on your emotional well-being. Seeking support can help you better understand what is happening and take steps early to prevent the situation from escalating.
Who can you turn to for help?
If something online makes you uncomfortable or unsafe, consider reaching out to someone you trust, such as:
A family member
A close friend or colleague
A counsellor
These individuals can provide perspective and help you consider your next steps.
What if you are hesitant to tell someone?
It is normal to feel worried about how others might react. You may be concerned about being judged or misunderstood.
It is important to keep in mind that:
You are not responsible for someone else’s harmful behaviour
Seeking support is about protecting your well-being, not assigning blame
Taking action early can help prevent the situation from worsening
If you are not ready to talk to someone you know, you can also turn to community partners where trained professionals can provide support and guidance confidentially.
When should you seek help?
You should consider reaching out for help if you experience situations like:
Receiving threatening or inappropriate messages
Being pressured to share intimate photos or videos
Someone sharing your information without your consent
Feeling distressed or uncertain about an online interaction
Even if you are not sure whether it is “serious enough”, it is always okay to ask for help.
What can you do before reaching out?
If you feel safe to do so, you can take some steps to protect yourself:
Stop engaging with the person who is making you uncomfortable
Save evidence such as screenshots or links
Use platform tools to block or report the user
No matter what happens online, you are not alone. Reaching out for help is a proactive step in protecting yourself. By taking action and supporting others when they need it, you play a part in creating a safer online space.