AskFM
BlueSky
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MINIMUM AGE: 13+
WHAT IS IT? AskFM is a social Q&A platform that allows users to send and receive questions—often anonymously. It’s especially popular with teens and young adults looking to express themselves, get to know others, or explore topics that feel difficult to ask openly. While some interactions are lighthearted or supportive, the anonymous nature of the platform can also invite harmful behaviour. WHAT WE SAY: Treat with HIGH Caution. 🔞 Exposure to Inappropriate Content Because questions can be sent anonymously, users may receive messages with sexual content, violent language, threats, or bullying. The app has limited real-time moderation, so harmful messages may stay visible and affect mental wellbeing. 🔐 Privacy Concerns AskFM encourages users to share personal thoughts—but profiles, posts, and responses are often public. While anonymity can seem safe, it can also lead to oversharing without users fully understanding the risks. Personal information can be misused or screenshotted without consent. 📢 Lack of Accountability Anonymity means users often face no consequences for sending cruel or inappropriate messages. This makes trolling, impersonation, and targeted bullying common, especially among teens. 📱 Cyberbullying and Harassment AskFM has a long history of being used for bullying. Anonymity emboldens some users to send hateful or harmful messages that target appearance, identity, or social status. Teens may struggle with self-worth if harassed repeatedly without recourse. 🚨 Sexual Harassment Users may be sent sexually explicit or suggestive questions—even when they haven’t requested anonymous messages. This creates a space where sexual harassment can thrive, especially with no effective reporting system in place. 🧑💻 Online Predators & Grooming Predators may use AskFM to initiate conversations with teens under the guise of innocent questions. The app’s lack of age verification and open inbox system makes it easy for strangers to access young users repeatedly. 🚨 Criminal Activity & Extremist Content While less common than on open forums, AskFM has occasionally hosted content related to self-harm, hate speech, or illegal behaviour—especially through anonymous messaging. Users can be exposed without warning or filter. 🚨Decentralised Hosting = Less Control Some “servers” or feeds may have fewer rules or allow extreme content. There is no single authority to report all issues, unlike on Instagram or TikTok. ⚠️ Content May Be Hard to Remove Even when harmful or offensive questions are deleted, screenshots can preserve messages permanently. Once shared or answered, content can resurface on other platforms or be used to harass someone offline. |
SAFETY TIPS:
📲Understand the app: Familiarise yourself with AskFM's features and how they work. Knowing how the app works will help you guide your child effectively. 👨👧Parental supervision: Check their interactions and adjust privacy settings accordingly. Try to stay up-to-date on Internet trends and best practices. 📢Underage Accounts: ASkFM might have an age restriction but it lacks a proper age verification process. Therefore, there’s little stopping users from faking their dates of birth or creating bogus profiles and targetting children and young people. 👥Manage friend requests: Teach your child only to accept friend requests from people they know in real life. 📷 Cover the Webcam When Not in Use Physically cover your camera when you're not ready to go live. Always be mindful of what’s visible in your background—it can reveal location clues. 🧠 Trust Your Instincts If something feels uncomfortable, it is uncomfortable. Leave the chat immediately and don’t engage with users who seem suspicious, aggressive, or inappropriate. 🖥️ Place Devices in Shared Spaces Keep internet-connected devices in living rooms or kitchens, not bedrooms. This makes risky behavior less likely and easier to notice. 🙋♀️Conversations: Have open discussions with children and young people about the topics associated with online use - bullying, grooming, sexual and criminal exploitation, body image, as well as accessing support and how to report. 🚨 Know the Signs of Trouble Watch for behaviour changes—like anxiety, secrecy, mood swings, or suddenly deleting apps. These can signal something inappropriate happened online. 💬Conversations: Have open discussions with children and young people about the topics associated with online use - bullying, grooming, sexual and criminal exploitation, body image, as well as accessing support and how to report. FURTHER SUPPORT: For parents/ carers If you're worried about your child or need support call NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. If you discover criminal content when online then report it directly to the police or the Internet Watch Foundation. If you're worried about online grooming or sexual behaviour online then report directly to the police or contact CEOP. For Children & young people if they're worried or want to talk, encourage them to contact Childline Online or call 0800 1111. Check out our Resource Centre for further information and useful online safety tips.ul online safety tips. 
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