You may be aware of a recent social media incident where inappropriate and distressing content was shared, from outside of Australia, on various platforms including Facebook, TikTok, Instagram and Twitter.

While it has appeared on other social media platforms, TikTok’s For You algorithm that recommends videos to users means more people are seeing it on TikTok than on somewhere like Instagram, where the content in your feed is primarily from people you follow (or was until a recent change that surfaces video from other users when you scroll to the end of your feed). We would encourage families to avoid using TikTok while the video is still circulating. 

The Australian Office of the eSafety Commissioner is working closely with the social media companies to have this content removed; however, at this stage, the content is still widespread on some platforms.

Your children may be able to access this distressing material through their personal devices, should they actively look for it or if it is shared by a friend. 

We would urge extreme caution in how you raise this issue with your child if they have not already heard or been exposed to this video. Drawing undue attention to the issue may cause unnecessary worry or distress and increase its exposure. If you do wish to discuss the matter with your child, please emphasise the significant distress that may be caused when accessing such material.

If your child has inadvertently viewed this content, please support your child’s wellbeing by:

• Reporting this content to the social media platform that it has been viewed on, or to eSafety at esafety.gov.au/report/illegal-harmful-content

• Seeking support:
• Calling 000 in life threatening circumstances.
• Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 - phone support all day every day and online support from 8am-midnight every day (AEST).
• eHeadspace 1800 650 890 - open 9am-1am daily (AEST).
• Lifeline 13 11 14 - phone support all day, every day and online support 7pm-4am daily (AEST).
• Beyondblue 1300 22 4636 - phone support all day, every day and online support 3pm-midnight every day.
• Suicide Call-back Service 1300 659 467 - phone support all day, every day, and follow-up calls.
• Your child’s teacher.

The Office of the eSafety Commissioner has resources available to help children, young people and their families navigate the online world. The following links may be useful to support your conversations with your child.

• https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/skills-advice/online-safety-basics
• https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/skills-advice/hard-to-have-conversations

If you have any concerns, please contact our school.