As you can guess, the steps to block and report users are a little different on each platform. However, you can find steps for blocking and reporting on other social media platforms in our vast library of tech guides. A research report from Thorn surveyed how teens understand and interact with these online safety tools. They call blocking and reporting the “first line of defense” against social media bullying or harassment. If someone is harassing your child, the easiest way to nip it in the bud is to block them.

The goal is an effective email that’s purposeful and gives the reader what they need in one go. Keeping your email concise is important, but don’t omit necessary information just to keep it brief. Include all relevant information in a single email so the recipient can act without needing to ask clarifying questions. Sending a second email to cover details you forgot can be awkward and come across as unprofessional. Similarly, while https://lovesmoments.org/ you may use familiar language with classmates and coworkers, maintain a more formal tone with professors, administrators, and those above you in a company. K–12 educators and IT administrators are increasingly focusing on media literacy as a core component of digital citizenship.

It is never about shame; it is consciously about preserving the spiritual light of the heart from being sadly dimmed by harmful, unnecessary exposure. The single most powerful safety tool available remains the constant, open relationship between the parent and the child. Tell them clearly and repeatedly, ‘No matter what difficult or embarrassing thing happens to you online, you can absolutely always come to me.

Blocking should, in most cases, prevent the perpetrator from sending your child more messages. Next, reporting the user brings it to the platform’s attention, in hopes the perpetrator’s account will be taken down or receive some sort of reprimand. Given they’re two of the tools kids have at their disposal against online harm, it’s crucial that kids know how and when to use them. But there are some key points that parents — and kids — need to know if their family ever faces a severe social media harassment situation.

• Most kids (and honestly, a lot of adults) feel like the algorithm is something that happens to them.
• Blocking someone on social media can also raise ethical questions.
• If the images are of someone under 18 years old, then you can report this to CEOP.
• On many platforms, you can also restrict, mute, or limit who can contact them.
• Double-check key details like dates, deadlines, and your recipient’s name.

Reiterate In-person And Phone Conversations

It’s saying, “This content is actually harmful, and I’m helping the platform get rid of it so the next kid doesn’t have to see it.” The instinct for a lot of parents is to grab the phone and delete the app. But in 2026, that’s like trying to stop a flood with a paper towel. The real win isn’t just monitoring; it’s arming them with the Block Button. The goal is for them to feel like they are the CEO of their own phone.

Snapchat is where the “disappearing” nature of messages makes kids feel like they can’t report things. Most kids (and honestly, a lot of adults) feel like the algorithm is something that happens to them. By teaching them to block and report, you’re shifting the narrative. Also, be aware of “Report Bombing”—this is when a group of kids gags up to report a single person’s account for no reason just to get them banned. If your kid mentions someone “got banned for nothing,” that might be what happened.

Media Literacy And Critical Thinking Online

The same courtesy applies to phone calls and other workplace communication, too. Be equally restrained with emphasis formatting, as overuse may dilute your message. While it’s fine to use bold to highlight a key date or action item, avoid stacking multiple emphasis types (bold, underline, and italic) in a single email.

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You can then send that link instead of the large attachment itself. Additionally, proper etiquette can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of communication, leading to better relationships and results. The seven C’s are clear, concise, concrete, correct, coherent, complete, and courteous. This framework is a useful shorthand for evaluating whether your email communicates your message effectively and respectfully.