We’ve compiled a quick list of tips to help parents and social media users avoid graphic, distressing or inappropriate videos online.
We’ve been made aware of a particularly graphic video that has spread prolifically on several social media and video apps. As those platforms work to take down this video for good, we’ve compiled a list of a few helpful tips aimed towards parents (but can be followed by anyone) about avoiding inappropriate videos online, including the one spreading this week, or to help minimise the damage if someone does watch an inappropriate video.
– Brand verified playlists on YouTube are a great way for younger kids to watch videos with little risk of experiencing inappropriate content. For example, the Peppa Pig Official Channel playlists can be seen here. Keep an eye out for YouTube channels that have a verified tick by them, as this means it’s an official channel belonging to a brand, meaning the playlist content will be age appropriate to the brand.
– Always supervise younger kids when they use video sites on the Internet, in case they accidentally click off an approved playlist.
– Many apps allow you to download videos onto a device, so a child can watch them without having to connect to the Internet. This is a great way to ensure your child doesn’t watch unapproved or inappropriate videos, as a parent can download a set of approved videos onto a device and then disconnect it from the Internet. YouTube Kids is one app that allows for offline viewing.
– Learn the pros and cons of social apps your children use. This way you can make an educated decision on whether you would like your children to use them, as well as learn about any parental controls that may be available.
– Encourage open communication with your children. Let children know if they see something that upsets them, then it is important that they need to speak to a parent or responsible adult.
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– Disable auto-play. Many video apps have auto-play features that allow a viewer to watch video after video without having to click anything. Consider temporarily disabling this feature.
– [Specific to a graphic video spreading in September 2020] The offending video starts with a white man with beard and glasses talking at his desk. If you notice a video or thumbnail that matches this description, stay away from it. If you can, report it to the platform so they can remove it.
– Consider taking another look at what social apps your kids are using. Sites and apps like TikTok and Facebook have a minimum age limit of 13 years. Children under that age shouldn’t be using these platforms. However, remember that such platforms can still expose children between 13-18 years to content that is inappropriate. 13 is the absolute minimum age, but it is okay to keep these apps away from your children until they are older.
– However, if you’re still worried, consider taking kids off social media for a few days. Some searching today shows that this particular video is becoming increasingly difficult to locate. Social media platforms are fine-tuning their auto-detection methods (and, as TikTok have said, banning accounts that repeatedly upload the video) so the video should become harder to locate with time, even for someone intentionally looking for it. However, for right now, consider giving social media a rest until social media companies can get a hold on the situation.
– Get help. If you watched the video, or feel you need help, below is some useful contact information for entities that deal with issues related to suicide and trauma. If you’ve seen the video and want to talk about it, or if you are depressed or feel suicidal, the below hotlines may help.
UK – The Samaritans – 116 123
UK – Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – for men – 0800 58 58 58
UK – Childline – for children and young people under 19 – 0800 1111
USA – Suicide Prevention Hotline – 1-800-784-2433
USA – Suicide Prevention Hotline – 1-800-273-8255
USA – Lifeline Crisis Chat – http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/gethelp/lifelinechat.aspx
USA – Veterans Crisis Line – 1 800 273 8255
Australia – Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14
Australia – Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800
Canada – Kids Help Phone – 1 800 6686868
Canada – Crisis Services Canada – 1 833 456 4566