What to Do If You See Something Scary Online
Helping children understand what to do when they accidentally see something upsetting on the internet.
Close it, walk away, and tell someone — seeing something upsetting is never your fault.
Sometimes you might see a picture, video or message online that makes you feel scared, sad or confused. That can happen even when you were not looking for anything bad. It is not your fault, and there are things you can do to feel better.
Close It Straight Away
If you see something on a screen that scares you or makes you feel upset, you can close it. Press the home button, close the lid of the laptop, or turn off the screen. You do not have to keep looking at it. Getting away from the screen quickly is a really smart thing to do.
Talk About How You Feel
After you have closed it, find a grown-up and tell them what you saw. It is okay if you cannot explain it perfectly — just say 'I saw something on the screen that upset me.' The grown-up can help you feel better and make sure it does not happen again. You can also talk to Childline on 0800 1111 if you would rather talk to someone else.
It Is Not Your Fault
Sometimes scary things pop up even when you are doing nothing wrong — like an advert you did not ask for, or something a friend shared. Seeing something upsetting does not mean you did something bad. It happens to lots of children. The important thing is to close it and tell someone.
If you ever need someone to talk to, you can call Childline for free on 0800 1111.
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Last reviewed: 2026-03-29