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MINIMUM AGE: 13+
WHAT IS IT? Reddit is a large online platform made up of thousands of communities (called “subreddits”) where users share posts, links, images, and discussions on almost any topic. People can ask questions, share opinions, follow interests, and vote content up or down to shape what others see. While Reddit can be a place for learning, support, and niche hobbies, much of the content is user-generated and not always moderated in the same way across communities, meaning users may encounter mature themes, strong opinions, or explicit material depending on where they browse. WHAT WE SAY: Avoid. 🔞 Exposure to Inappropriate Content Reddit is made up of thousands of user-created communities, each with its own rules and moderation. While many are positive and interest-based, some communities may contain mature, graphic, or offensive content. Reddit requires sexually explicit or graphic material to be labelled (for example with NSFW tags) and has rules against harassment, hate, and illegal content, with enforcement actions such as content removal, restrictions, or bans. However, because content is largely user-generated and community-moderated, experiences can vary, and some material may not be suitable for younger users depending on where they browse. 🔐 Privacy Concerns Reddit allows users to post anonymously, but posts and comments are often public and can remain searchable, increasing the risk of oversharing personal information. While Reddit has rules against sharing private details and tools to report issues, privacy risks can vary across communities, so users should avoid sharing identifying or sensitive information. 📱 Cyberbullying and Harassment Because Reddit allows anonymous usernames and open discussion, some communities can experience trolling, hostile debates, or harmful interactions. Users may encounter negative comments, harassment, or strong opinions, particularly in communities focused on sensitive or controversial topics. 🚨 Misinformation and Extremism Because Reddit hosts a wide range of user-created communities, users may encounter misinformation, biased viewpoints, or harmful discussions. While Reddit has platform rules against hate and harmful behaviour and may remove or ban communities that break them, content can still vary widely depending on where users browse. 🧑💻 Online Predators & Grooming The anonymous nature of Reddit can enable predators to initiate inappropriate conversations, especially in casual or interest-based communities where boundaries are unclear. 🕳️ Dark Web & Illegal Content References Reddit prohibits illegal content and has rules against promoting unlawful behaviour, but because communities are user-generated, some discussions may include references to topics such as hacking, illicit markets, or other risky activities. Moderation and enforcement actions can remove rule-breaking content, but users may still come across discussions that are not appropriate for younger audiences depending on where they browse. 💊 Mental Health Triggers and Harmful Advice Reddit hosts many communities where people discuss mental health, which can provide peer support but is not a substitute for professional advice. Because discussions are user-led and unregulated, some threads may include distressing topics or unhelpful coping suggestions. Reddit has rules against encouraging self-harm and provides guidance and reporting tools if users encounter suicidal content, including directing people to support resources. 🎲 Gambling and Addiction Risks Some Reddit communities focus on topics such as sports betting, cryptocurrency, or high-risk trading, where discussions may normalise or encourage risky financial behaviour. While these conversations can be informational, they may also expose impressionable users to content that downplays potential losses or promotes unrealistic expectations. |
SAFETY TIPS :
We do not recommend children and young people use this app! 📲 Understand the app: Familiarise yourself with the platforms 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. 👥 Managing Friend Requests - Encourage your child to only accept friend requests from people they know and trust in real life. Remind them that “friends of friends” online may still be strangers, and mutual connections do not automatically make someone safe. 📷 Webcam Safety - Talk to your child about covering their webcam when it’s not in use. Help them understand the importance of being aware of what’s visible in the background during video calls, as personal items or surroundings can reveal location clues. 🧠 Trusting Their Instincts - Reassure your child that if something feels uncomfortable, they should leave the chat immediately. Encourage them not to engage with anyone who seems suspicious, aggressive, or inappropriate, and to tell a trusted adult. 🖥️ Keeping Devices in Shared Spaces - Where possible, keep internet-connected devices in shared areas such as living rooms or kitchens rather than bedrooms. This can help reduce risky behaviour and makes it easier to supervise online activity naturally. 🚨 Recognising Warning Signs - Be aware of changes in your child’s behaviour, such as increased anxiety, secrecy, mood swings, or suddenly deleting apps. These may indicate that something concerning has happened online. 💬 Keeping Communication Open - Have regular, open conversations about online safety, including topics such as bullying, grooming, sexual or criminal exploitation, body image pressures, and how to report concerns or seek support. Creating a safe space for discussion helps children feel comfortable coming to you if something goes wrong. 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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