What To Do If You See Something Upsetting

What is upsetting content?

You may find content online that could have a negative effect on you. This might be scary images, hateful content, sexual material or illegal material (like age-restricted material, extreme violence etc).

Offensive or illegal content may include topics, images or other information that could be prohibited in New Zealand. The content can also be upsetting to a young person when they discover it.

Is it likely that the content is real?

Some content found online may not be real which means that photos can be altered and stories made up. It may even be illegal e.g., pornography, hate-sites or objectionable material.

If you do encounter anything illegal, it’s important that you do not show it or send it to anyone else as this could be against the law. It’s important to get help right away.

Netsafe supports people in these situations every day and can advise you on what to do.

If you're experiencing online harm, fallen victim to a scam, or need some advice about another online issue, Netsafe is here to support you.

Our helpline is free, confidential and non-judgmental - providing expert advice and assistance seven days a week.

Report online

Email [email protected]

Text 'Netsafe' to 4282

Call 0508 638 723 8am-8pm weekdays, 9am-5pm weekends

New Zealanders overseas can call +64 9 666 0840

What can you do if something upsets you?

Some of the things you see online can be distressing whether you sought it out or heard about it second-hand. Each person will react differently to upsetting online content. Some people may be confused, have trouble sleeping or even be angry. Here’s some tips that might help you:

Tips if you come across something that upsets you

It’s okay to be unsure about how you feel about what you’ve seen or read. It can be confusing, and for many people upsetting.

If it’s happened while at school it’s good to talk to a teacher as they may know more information about the content that you’ve seen. For example, your Dean or a trusted teacher may have had other students come to them about the same situation.

Be careful about talking to your siblings or a friend about what you’ve seen. Friends can be a great support, but the content you’ve seen could be triggering or upsetting to them as well. Check in with your friends first to see if they are in the right mindset to support you before talking to them.

Where possible report the content. This will help keep the content from being seen by other people. You can report to Netsafe, your parent or the social media platform you’re using.

girl using mobile phone looking concerned

How to report illegal sexual content or objectionable material

Offensive or illegal content may include topics, images or other information like age-restricted material, extreme violence etc.

Objectionable material is illegal for anyone to possess or look at. It includes content which involves children, animals, dead people, cruelty and severe violence.

Complete the form on The Department of Internal Affairs website to report content that you think is objectionable.(http://www.dia.govt.nz/web/submitforms.nsf/cencomp)

Contact Netsafe