What should I do if I see harmful or illegal content online? Frequently Asked Questions
People often have questions about what to do if they come across harmful, disturbing or potentially illegal content online. Sometimes the right response is clear, but sometimes it isn't.
This page provides practical guidance for common scenarios you might come across on social media, group chats, gaming platforms, messaging apps, and other online spaces.
The most important thing to remember is that you don’t need to work out if something is illegal or not yourself. If you come across content that seems harmful, disturbing or potentially illegal, don’t share it, don’t download it, and seek advice or report it if possible. It is against the law to create, possess and share objectionable content in New Zealand.
For more information on what is harmful and illegal content read check out this webpage: What is harmful and illegal content?
Read more here on how to report content: How to Report Harmful or Illegal Online Content in New Zealand
Have you or someone else seen something online that upset, shocked or made you feel uncomfortable? This guide explains who to contact, and how they can help: Helplines and Support Services in New Zealand
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What if someone sends harmful content in a group chat?
This is one of the most common situations young people describe. Sometimes it's shared as a joke, for shock value, or without understanding the harm it can cause. Reporting within a group chat can be difficult or limited by the platform itself.
If this happens:
- Don't save, download or forward it.
- Don't keep looking at it.
- If you can, you should let the person know that it shouldn’t be shared.
- Leave, mute or hide the chat if you need to.
You don't have to stay in a conversation that makes you uncomfortable.
It’s important to do these things because you are potentially in possession of objectionable (illegal) content, and that is an offence. It is against the law to create, possess and share objectionable content in New Zealand.
By taking action, you’re keeping yourself and others safe.
What if my friend messages harmful content to me?
Even if it comes from someone you know well, the same advice applies. If this happens:
- Don't save, download or forward it.
- Don't keep looking at it.
- If you feel comfortable doing so, let the person know it shouldn't be shared.
- Leave, mute or hide the chat if you need to.
Talk to someone you trust or reach out for support from a helpline.
By taking action, you’re keeping yourself and others safe.
What if I only looked at harmful content for a few seconds?
Simply seeing something unexpectedly doesn't mean you've done anything wrong.
Close it, don't go back to it, and avoid downloading or sharing it. If what you've seen is upsetting, talk to someone you trust. If you can, report it to the platform or a relevant New Zealand agency, such as New Zealand Police, the Department of Internal Affairs, or Netsafe.
If the content is harmful or may be illegal, consider reporting it to the platform or to a relevant New Zealand agency. Read more here on how to report content: How to Report Harmful or Illegal Online Content in New Zealand
By taking action, you’re keeping yourself and others safe.
What if someone shows me harmful content on their phone?
You may have no control over what someone else chooses to show you.
If possible, look away, ask them to stop, or leave the situation. If you think the content is illegal or seriously harmful encourage them to stop sharing it.
Talk to someone you trust or reach out for support from a helpline.
What if I think the harmful content is AI-generated?
AI-generated content can still be illegal.
If the content appears harmful or potentially illegal, respond the same way you would to any other harmful content: don't create it, save it or share it, and report it if possible.
To find out more information, see our webpage AI‑Generated Content: When Is It Illegal in New Zealand?
If the content is harmful or may be illegal, consider reporting it to the platform or to a relevant New Zealand agency. Read more here on how to report content: How to Report Harmful or Illegal Online Content in New Zealand
By taking action, you’re keeping yourself and others safe.
What if I'm not sure whether the harmful content is illegal?
You don't need to work out the law.
If something doesn't feel right:
- Don't save, download or share it.
- Don't keep looking at it.
- If you feel comfortable doing so, let the person know it shouldn't be shared.
- Leave, mute or hide the chat if you need to.
Reach out for advice and talk with someone you trust. If the content is harmful or may be illegal, consider reporting it to the platform or to a relevant New Zealand agency. Read more here on how to report content: How to Report Harmful or Illegal Online Content in New Zealand
We also have information on What is harmful and illegal content. If you are still unsure, contact us for more information.
What if someone threatens me by sending me the harmful content?
If someone is using harmful content to intimidate, blackmail or threaten you, this may be a crime.
Contact the Police for help with threatening behaviour. The Police will provide guidance on what to do. In the meantime, avoid watching or continuing to look at the harmful content.
Here is a list of helplines if you are unsure about who to talk to: Helplines and Support Services in New Zealand.
What if someone tells me to keep the harmful content a secret?
Being told to keep harmful content secret is often a sign that you should tell someone.
Speak to a trusted adult, teacher, manager, whānau member or another support person. Keeping yourself and others safe is more important than keeping someone else's secret.
By taking action, you’re keeping yourself and others safe.
What if I accidentally downloaded harmful content?
If you think it may be illegal, seek advice as soon as possible about what to do next, rather than keeping it or passing it on.
Alternatively, if you don’t want to seek advice then don't share it or send it to anyone else. Even continuing to hold it may be a crime.
What if my child tells me they've seen something upsetting?
Stay calm and thank them for telling you.
Listen without judgement and reassure them they did the right thing by speaking up. Depending on their age, help them decide what to do next.
If the content is harmful or may be illegal, consider reporting it to the platform or to a relevant New Zealand agency. Read more here on how to report content: How to Report Harmful or Illegal Online Content in New Zealand
By taking action, you’re keeping yourself and others safe.
What if my student shows me harmful content?
Respond calmly and avoid reacting with shock or blame. Let the student know that to keep you both safe you're going to stop looking at the content and that they shouldn't show it to anyone else.
Focus first on the wellbeing of the student, then follow your school’s safeguarding procedures, or talk to your SLT.
For more information on what to do, see our resource: Responding to objectionable or extremely harmful content
Remember to seek support for yourself. Talk to someone you trust or reach out for support from a helpline.
What if everyone else is sharing harmful content?
Just because lots of people are sharing something doesn't mean it's safe, legal or harmless. Some people may not realise the content is illegal or understand the impact it can have on others.
Choosing to not share harmful content can help reduce its reach and impact.
Read more on how to report content here: How to Report Harmful or Illegal Online Content in New Zealand
What if I already reported the harmful content?
Once you've reported it, you don't need to keep checking or engaging with the content.
If it's continuing to affect you, talk to someone you trust or reach out for support from a helpline.
What if I'm worried about getting someone in trouble?
Many people hesitate to report harmful content because they don't want someone to get in trouble.
If something doesn't feel right:
- Don't save, download or share it.
- Don't keep looking at it.
- If you feel comfortable doing so, let the person know it shouldn't be shared. They may not realise the content is illegal.
- Leave, mute or hide the chat if you need to.
- Report it if you can.
By taking action, you’re keeping yourself and others safe. Talk to someone you trust or reach out for support from a helpline.
Read more on how to report content here: How to Report Harmful or Illegal Online Content in New Zealand
What if reporting harmful content makes me feel unsafe?
Your safety comes first.
If reporting could directly put you at risk, talk to someone you trust or reach out for support from a helpline.
Who should I report harmful content to?
If the content is on a social media platform, video game or website, report it using the platform's reporting tools.
If you think the content may be illegal, report it to the appropriate New Zealand agency, such as New Zealand Police, the Department of Internal Affairs, or Netsafe.
Read more on how to report content here: How to Report Harmful or Illegal Online Content in New Zealand
By taking action, you’re keeping yourself and others safe.
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