What’s an inappropriate text or image?

The Internet is one of the most useful tools we have in the modern world and if you use it the right way, it’s usually pretty safe. Unfortunately, some people use the Internet in ways that make others (including kids) feel really uncomfortable. They might send rude photos or hurtful messages. They might pretend to be somebody they’re not. For example, they might chat with you for a while and send a photo of themselves that shows a 13-year-old girl – but you don’t realise the actual person you’re talking to is a 45-year-old man trying to fool you.

That’s why it’s so important to be careful about who you interact with online and to be cautious and responsible when it comes to sharing photos, videos, text messages and social media posts with others. Talk to your parents so you know exactly what to do if you ever receive a rude picture or a message that makes you feel sad, embarrassed, shocked or uncomfortable in any way.

Your parents or teacher won’t mind if you’ve made an honest mistake and clicked on something you shouldn’t have – they just want to make sure you’re safe and that you feel okay to talk to them about these kinds of situations.

It is not appropriate (and can be dangerous) to share certain types of things online – even with your closest friends. These include:

1. Naked photos or videos
2. Photos or videos where people are doing rude things (pornography)
3. Texts or messages that are rude or sexual (‘sexting’)
4. Online messages that make fun or say degrading things about someone’s appearance, race or religion or talk about whether they’re ‘gay’

It’s also important to know that in Australia, it’s illegal to use your phone or the Internet to send, look at or encourage others to send sexual images of anyone under 18 years of age. Sometimes the police can become involved.

How to stay safe from inappropriate Internet content:

1. If you see anything online that makes you uncomfortable or unsure, close the app, page or message immediately and tell a trusted adult about it
2. Never respond to rude messages, emails, photos or videos
3. Get your parents to help you block people who send you nasty stuff
4. Don’t open emails from people or organisations you don’t know
5. Be honest with your parents about inappropriate content – it can be embarrassing to talk about but they need to know so they can help. If you’re too scared to tell your parents and need to talk to someone about rude content you’ve sent, received or seen.