GAB
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MINIMUM AGE: 18+
WHAT IS IT? Gab is a social media and microblogging platform where users can share posts, follow others, and join discussions online. It promotes itself as a “free speech” network, allowing users to post and view content mainly from accounts they choose to follow rather than algorithm-driven feeds. WHAT WE SAY: Avoid. 🛡️Moderation and Reporting on Gab Gab promotes itself as a “free speech” social network, meaning moderation is generally more limited than on many mainstream platforms. While the platform states that illegal content is not permitted, some speech that may be considered offensive or controversial may still remain on the site if it does not break the law. 🚨 Reporting Harmful Content Users can report posts, comments, or profiles they believe violate Gab’s terms of service or the law. Reporting options are available through the three-dot menu on posts, comments, or user profiles, where users can choose to report content directly to moderators. 🔇 Mute and Block Tools Gab provides tools that allow users to mute or block other accounts. Muting hides a user’s content from your feed, while blocking also prevents that person from following you or viewing your posts. ⚙️ User-Controlled Content Filters Users can customise their experience by filtering specific words or phrases. This helps reduce exposure to unwanted topics or conversations, although it relies on the user setting these filters themselves. 👥 Group Moderation Groups on Gab are often moderated by individual group administrators, who set their own rules about what can be posted. If a post breaks the platform’s terms of service, group moderators may report it to Gab for further review. ⚠️ Important for Parents to Know Gab places a strong emphasis on personal responsibility and self-managed moderation tools rather than strict platform-wide content controls. Because of this, young users may still encounter controversial, offensive, or harmful discussions before content is reported or removed. |
SAFETY TIPS:
📲 Understand the Platform Familiarise yourself with how Gab works. The platform allows users to share posts, comment on discussions, join groups, and follow other accounts. Understanding these features can help you guide your child about what they see online and who they interact with. 👨👧 Parental Awareness Take an interest in how your child uses social media and who they communicate with online. Because Gab includes public discussions and open communities, it is important to stay aware of the topics and conversations they may encounter. 📢 Underage Accounts Although Gab has age requirements, there is limited age verification, meaning younger users may be able to create accounts by entering incorrect information. 👥 Interactions with Strangers Users can follow others, comment on posts, and join public groups. Encourage your child to avoid interacting with strangers online and remind them that not everyone on the internet is who they claim to be. ⚠️ Be Cautious with Online Discussions Gab hosts open conversations on political, social, and controversial topics. Young users may come across strong opinions or offensive language, so encourage them to think critically about what they read and avoid engaging in hostile debates. 🧠 Trust Their Instincts Remind your child that if something they see or someone they interact with online makes them uncomfortable, they should stop engaging, block or mute the account, and speak to a trusted adult. 🖥️ Use Devices in Shared Spaces Where possible, keep internet-connected devices in shared areas of the home, such as living rooms or kitchens, to help support safer online behaviour. 🚨 Recognise Warning Signs Watch for changes in behaviour such as increased secrecy around devices, distress after using social media, or sudden changes in mood, which may indicate negative online experiences. 💬 Keep Communication Open Have regular conversations about online safety, including cyberbullying, misinformation, extremist content, and how to report or block harmful accounts. Creating an open and supportive environment helps young people feel comfortable asking for help. FURTHER SUPPORT: For parents/ carers If you're worried about your child or need support call NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. If you see suspected child sexual abuse content online, report it to the police or the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), which helps remove illegal images from the internet. If you’re worried about online sexual exploitation or abuse, you can make a report to Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP) - a UK law enforcement team dedicated to protecting children and young people online. 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 Factsheets for further information and useful online safety tips. 
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