Youths (under 18)
Reaching Out for Help and Support
Staying safe online
Navigating online risks
Spending time online can be fun, but sometimes things do not go as expected. You may come across something upsetting 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, worried about getting into trouble or feel that it is easier to just ignore it.
Keeping things to yourself can make the situation harder to manage and may have long-term effects on your emotional well-being. Getting support can help you better understand what is happening and take steps early to prevent the situation from worsening.
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 parent or guardian
A teacher or school counsellor
An older sibling or relative
These are people who can listen, support you and help you figure out what to do next.
What if you are worried about telling someone?
It is normal to feel worried about how others might react. You might be afraid of getting into trouble or losing access to your devices.
It is important to know that:
You are not at fault for someone else’s harmful behaviour
The adults around you are there to help keep you safe, not to punish you
Speaking up early can prevent the situation from getting worse
If you are not ready to talk to someone you know, you can also turn to community partners (opens in new tab) where trained adults can guide you.
When should you seek help?
You should reach out for help if you experience situations like:
Someone sending you threatening or inappropriate messages
Being pressured to share personal intimate photos or videos
Someone spreading rumours or sharing things about you without permission
Feeling scared or upset about something that happened online
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 replying if someone 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 confident and important step in protecting yourself. By taking action and supporting others when they need it, you play a part in creating a safer online space.