What to do with distressing content

Conflict and war has been dominating news headlines for what seems forever. Recent events surrounding Israel and Gaza have only increased this. As a result, the risk of coming across disturbing content online (particularly on social media) is heightened.

As always, it’s important we stay tuned into the content that our children are accessing – this includes putting appropriate restrictions in place, sitting with them and engaging with the media they are consuming, and having constructive conversations about the content they watch.

As adults we should also be mindful of what we are exposing ourselves to.

The eSafety Commissioner’s Office (a national body established to promote, support and advocate for safe online experiences for everyone, but particularly children) has recently provided some information about steps to take response to the evolving situation in the middle east.

· eSafety has contacted social media companies about this content and will continue working with them to identify and remove illegal and restricted material wherever possible.

· Avoid drawing attention to any disturbing content. Asking about it, even such as, ‘I hope you haven’t seen…’ may cause unnecessary worry or distress and increase exposure.

· If a child is showing signs of distress, it’s important to enquire and support them. These signs may look like emotional outbursts, changes in sleep, play that involves more violence or withdrawing from friends and family.

The eSafety Commissioner has a range of useful material online for both parents and children around distressing content online. Please see links below:

Resources for children:Distressing or violent content | How to get help | eSafety Commissioner Resources for parents: Distressing or violent content | How to get help | eSafety Commissioner

If you do come across distressing content the information sheet below provides guidance on steps that you can take. As always, if your child needs additional emotional support please speak with their classroom teacher about seeing our school counsellor.

Additional support services are also available for anyone who may be at risk or experiencing emotional distress, including worried family and friends:

• Kids Helpline, for 5–25-year-olds, on 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au (webchat is also available).
• headspace support for young people, professionals, educators and families
• Lifeline on 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
• Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au

More support services, including state-based services aimed at parents and carers, are listed on esafety.gov.au/counselling-support-services.