Online Harm: Understanding It and Staying Safe

The internet connects us, but it can also hurt us. Online harm refers to the negative or dangerous experiences people can face online — including cyberbullying, harassment, scams, identity theft, misinformation and exposure to inappropriate or harmful content. It can affect anyone, at any age, impacting mental health, personal safety and privacy.



Promoting digital awareness, respectful communication and strong privacy practices is essential to creating safer online spaces for everyone — and if online experiences are hurting you or your child, support is available.

What is the Online Safety Act?

In October 2023 the Government published the Online Safety Act, monitored by the regulator Ofcom. The Act followed years of campaigning by parents who lost children as a result of viewing harmful content online.

Among them is Ian Russell, father of Molly Russell, who took her own life at just 14 in 2017. Molly's family and friends established The Molly Rose Foundation, and in March 2026 released the documentary *Molly vs The Machines*, exposing how social media platforms exposed Molly to harmful content that played a significant role in her death. The Foundation raises the voices of parents and young people affected by online harm — you can add your name to their letter to the Prime Minister demanding bold action to protect teens online.

What is Jools' Law?

Another powerful campaigner is Ellen Roome, who spoke at our Hope for Life Conference in 2025. Ellen's son Jools was just 14 when he took his own life in 2022, and Ellen believes his online activity — including possible exposure to harmful content or dangerous internet "challenges" — may have played a role.



Ellen created and campaigned for Jools' Law which, in early 2026, the UK government confirmed will be introduced through amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill. It mandates automatic preservation of children's online data after death — helping bereaved parents and authorities understand whether online experiences contributed to a child's death, and improving accountability for social platforms.

Where can I find support with online harm and cyberbullying?

• R;pple — a UK suicide prevention charity founded in 2021 by Alice Hendy after losing her brother to suicide. Its browser extension detects searches for self-harm or suicide-related terms and instead presents a gentle message of hope, signposting free, 24/7 mental health support. Free for families and schools, with competitive pricing for businesses.
• Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) — works to stop the repeated victimisation of people abused in childhood and make the internet safer by identifying and removing online child sexual abuse imagery worldwide. "Self-generated" images (often taken under coercion) are a growing concern, with many children not realising the consequences until it's too late. IWF campaigns include "Think Before You Share", "Block and Report and Tell Someone You Trust", and TALK — helping parents talk to their child about online sexual abuse.
• Smartphone Free Childhood — a movement of families standing together to delay smartphones and social media, turning isolation into collective strength.

If bullying is happening online or offline, our Bullying Support page lists helplines including Childline on 0800 1111.

Talk about it — it helps

Whether you're a young person facing cyberbullying, or a parent worried about what your child sees online, talking openly is the strongest protection there is. See our Worried About My Child page, or contact The Jordan Legacy at hello@thejordanlegacy.com. If you're struggling to cope, visit I Need Help Now.