TOR
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MINIMUM AGE: 3+
WHAT IS IT? Tor Browser is a free web browser designed to provide very high levels of privacy and anonymity online. It hides a user’s location and browsing activity by routing internet traffic through multiple encrypted servers, making it difficult to track what sites are visited. While this can protect privacy, it also makes online activity harder for parents or safeguards to monitor. Tor can allow access to blocked or hidden parts of the internet, which may expose young people to inappropriate or harmful content. WHAT WE SAY: Avoid. 🔐 High Anonymity Tor makes it very difficult to see what websites are being visited, which can limit parental oversight and make it harder to monitor online activity. 🌐 Access to Hidden or Unregulated Content Tor can be used to access parts of the internet that aren’t indexed by regular search engines, including sites that may contain illegal, harmful, or explicit content. 🚨 Exposure to Harmful Communities Because of the lack of moderation and anonymity, users may encounter dangerous forums, extremist material, illegal marketplaces, or unsafe communities. 🧑💻 Reduced Safeguards Many standard online safety filters, monitoring tools, and parental controls may not work effectively with Tor. 💬 Potential Contact Risks Anonymous environments can increase the risk of encountering scammers, predators, or individuals encouraging risky behaviour. 🧠 False Sense of Safety Young people may believe Tor makes them completely safe or untraceable online, which can lead to risky decisions or sharing inappropriate content. 👨👩👧 What Parents Should KnowTor isn’t inherently harmful, but its strong privacy features mean it’s important to understand why a child is using it and to talk about safe, responsible internet use. Open conversations and clear boundaries can help reduce risks. |
SAFETY TIPS TO CONSIDER:
📲 Understand the browser Familiarise yourself with what Tor is and how it works. It is designed to hide identity and bypass filters, so understanding its purpose will help you guide your child and set appropriate boundaries. 👨👧 Active supervision Talk regularly about why they are using Tor and what they are accessing online. Stay informed about online trends and discuss safe browsing habits together. 🔒 Explain anonymity risks Help your child understand that anonymous spaces can include harmful, illegal, or inappropriate content, and that people online may not be who they claim to be. 🧠 Trusting their instincts Reassure your child that if they come across anything upsetting, confusing, or disturbing, they should close the page immediately and tell a trusted adult. 🖥️ Keep devices in shared spaces Where possible, encourage internet use in shared areas of the home rather than behind closed doors, which can help reduce risky browsing behaviour. ⚙️ Use device-level controls Although Tor can bypass many network filters, parental controls, screen time settings, and device supervision tools can still help manage overall usage. 🚨 Recognise warning signs Look out for sudden secrecy about online activity, switching screens quickly, unusual late-night browsing, mood changes, or reluctance to talk about what they’re doing online. 💬 Keep communication open Have regular conversations about online safety, including privacy, scams, harmful content, and how to seek help. Creating a non-judgmental environment makes it more likely your child will come to you with concerns. 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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