Your Rights Online: What the Online Safety Act Means for You
A guide for children and teenagers explaining what the Online Safety Act means for them — including their right to report content and get help.
The Online Safety Act is a UK law that says apps and websites have to make their services safer for young people. It gives you more rights to report harmful content and get a response. This guide explains what it means in plain language — what you can expect, what to do if something goes wrong online, and who to talk to if you need help.
What the law says apps and websites must do
Under the Online Safety Act, apps and websites that you use — like social media, gaming platforms, and video apps — have to check whether they might put young people at risk, and take steps to reduce that risk. They have to have a proper way for you to report content that upsets or harms you. They also have to remove illegal content quickly — things like child sexual abuse material, or content that threatens violence.
Key takeaway: Apps and websites must have working report tools and must take those reports seriously.
Your right to report and be heard
Every major platform now has to provide an accessible way to report content. If you see something that hurts you, upsets you, or targets someone else, you can use the report button — usually found by tapping the three dots or pressing and holding on a post. You do not have to share your name when you report. If the platform does not take action, you or a trusted adult can escalate the complaint.
Key takeaway: Use the report button — your reports help the platform and regulators understand what is happening.
Age-appropriate experiences
The Act requires platforms to use 'age assurance' — ways of checking how old users are. This might mean being asked to confirm your age or use a parent's account verification. It also means platforms should set stronger privacy defaults for users under 18: for example, new accounts might be set to private by default, and your posts should not be recommended to strangers by default. These changes are being phased in, so you may start to see more of them over 2025 and 2026.
Key takeaway: Platforms should apply stronger privacy settings for users under 18 — if you do not see this, check your own settings.
What is illegal content and why it matters
Some content is illegal no matter who shares it or where it appears. This includes images of child sexual abuse, content that encourages or threatens violence, and extreme content like terrorist material. Platforms must find and remove this content and report it to authorities. If you ever accidentally come across this kind of content, do not share it — close the app, tell a trusted adult, and report it using the app's report tool.
Key takeaway: If you see something that seems illegal, do not share it — close it, tell a trusted adult, and report it.
Where to get help
If something happens online that upsets or scares you, you are not alone and it is not your fault. Childline (0800 1111) is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day. You can also chat online at childline.org.uk. CEOP (ceop.police.uk) is part of the police and specialises in online safety for young people — you can make a report directly to them if someone has been inappropriate with you online. If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
Key takeaway: Childline (0800 1111) and CEOP (ceop.police.uk) are there for you — talking to someone is always the right move.
What the Act does
Requires apps and websites to have working, accessible report tools.
Obliges platforms to apply stronger privacy defaults for users under 18.
Requires platforms to remove illegal content — including images of child abuse — quickly.
Gives Ofcom the power to fine companies that do not protect young people properly.
What the Act does not do
Understanding the limits of the Act helps you set realistic expectations when using complaint and reporting processes.
Guarantee that every piece of harmful content is removed immediately.
Mean that reporting always results in content being taken down — outcomes depend on the platform's assessment.
Replace the need to talk to a trusted adult if something upsets or worries you.
Practical steps
Check your privacy settings on any app you use — make sure only people you know can see your content.
Know where the report button is on each app before you need it.
Save or screenshot anything that threatens or harms you before reporting — the evidence may disappear.
Tell a trusted adult — a parent, carer, teacher, or school counsellor — if something online worries you.
If you need to talk to someone privately, contact Childline at childline.org.uk or call 0800 1111.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to give my real name when I report something?
No. Most platforms allow anonymous reports. When you use the in-app report tool, you do not need to share your personal details with the person whose content you are reporting. Your identity is kept separate from the report.
What if I report something and nothing happens?
If you report something and the platform does not act, tell a trusted adult. They can escalate the complaint — either back to the platform, or by reporting to Ofcom or the police if the content is illegal. Keep a screenshot of what you reported and when, in case it is needed later.
Sources and further reading
Related guides
Last reviewed: 19 April 2026
This is practical educational content to support families. For case-specific concerns about a child's safety, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or your local safeguarding team.
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