GAB
GAB
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MINIMUM AGE: 18+
WHAT IS IT? Gab is a social media platform that was created as an alternative to mainstream social networking sites. It is known for its commitment to free speech and unrestricted expression. WHAT WE SAY: Avoid. 🔞 Exposure to Inappropriate ContentGab has very limited moderation, which means users — including children— can be exposed to hate speech, violent rhetoric, sexually explicit material, and harmful misinformation. There are no built-in protections to filter out graphic or offensive posts. 🔐 Privacy Concerns Gab collects user data including IP addresses, location, and device details. It also allows users to post and comment anonymously or under pseudonyms. There are no parental controls or child safety settings, meaning anyone can create an account and access adult content freely. 📢 Lack of Accountability Due to its anonymous nature and minimal content policing, Gab users are rarely held accountable for abuse or threats. Harmful posts can stay online for extended periods, and the reporting system is weak or ineffective. 📱 Cyberbullying and Harassment Gab users frequently engage in targeted harassment, trolling, and bullying, particularly towards marginalised groups. Children or teens who join out of curiosity may quickly find themselves in toxic or hostile environments. 🚨 Sexual Harassment Gab has been used to share sexually explicit content, including images, links, and memes that are inappropriate and often degrading, especially toward women and LGBTQ+ users. Young people posting photos or opinions may receive unwanted or abusive replies. 🧑💻 Online Predators & GroomingThough Gab is not designed for private messaging, its comment and group features allow users to initiate contact and build relationships, particularly with those who may feel isolated. This creates opportunities for grooming or radicalisation under the guise of friendship or support. 🚨 Criminal Activity & ExtremismGab is known for hosting extremist ideologies, including white nationalism, antisemitism, conspiracy theories (such as QAnon), and anti-government rhetoric. There have been real-world connections to criminal activity and violence stemming from content shared on the platform. ⚠️No Age or Content Restrictions Anyone can sign up for Gab with an email address. There is no age verification, and nothing stops minors from creating or viewing accounts filled with adult content. |
SAFETY TIPS:
📲Understand the app: Familiarise yourself with Gab'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: Gab 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. 
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