When Violence Goes Viral: How Parents Can Respond to Disturbing Online Content

How can parents protect kids from violent online videos? Here are essential tips and reminders

Even before the recent shooting of a conservative leader in Utah, violent videos have been spreading across social media. Some are so graphic that platforms have been forced to take them down — yet many still slip through.

Tech companies are in a constant race to remove violent, graphic, and risky content. But despite algorithmic filters and moderation, some disturbing videos remain online — and children can stumble upon them in seconds.

This places even more responsibility on parents, who must now vigilantly monitor what their children see online — an increasingly difficult task.

So, what can you do if your child has been exposed to violent content — or to prevent it from happening in the first place? Here are six expert-backed steps.

Start with a Conversation

In an interview with TODAY, family doctor and resilience expert Dr. Deborah Gilboa emphasizes the importance of simply asking.

“Ask your kid, ‘Did you hear about this event or see a video about it?’” she says.

If your child hasn’t seen it, Dr. Gilboa recommends giving them a gentle heads-up about what’s circulating — and expressing appreciation for their choice not to watch it.

If they have seen it, ask what they watched and how it made them feel.

“Explain that what they saw might have landed pretty hard in their brain.”

By naming the emotional impact, you help them process what they’ve seen and build emotional resilience.

Don’t Share the Video — Even with Good Intentions

Even if you aim to raise awareness, resist the urge to share graphic videos with others, especially children or other family members.

Sharing such footage can unintentionally amplify distress or retraumatize viewers.

Report the Content to the Platform

If you come across violent or disturbing content, use the platform’s reporting tools to flag it. This helps increase the chances of it being removed promptly — especially if it violates community standards.

Every major social media site has a built-in report function. Use it.

Use and Understand Platform Safety Guidelines

Many platforms now offer parental control features and safety guidelines:

• TikTok allows parents to monitor and control the videos their children watch.
• YouTube has features that allow parents to link their account and review the content their teens are consuming.

Stay up-to-date with each app’s safety tools — and use them proactively.

Educate Your Child and Yourself

In an age of deepfakes and AI-generated content, it’s essential to teach kids digital literacy:

• Help them understand that not everything they see is real.
• Talk about how certain content can impact their mental health.
• Teach them how to spot manipulated or sensationalized media.

As a parent, staying informed is just as important. Use trusted online resources to fact-check what you see — and model smart, discerning behavior when it comes to consuming and sharing media.

Bottom Line: Education Is Your Best Defense

You can’t monitor every video your child might come across — but you can equip them with the tools to recognize, question, and avoid harmful content.

Raising a digitally resilient child means having open conversations, using available tech tools, and staying educated yourself. It’s not easy, but it’s essential — especially when violence goes viral.

More on social media and tech issues

The Case for a Holistic Approach to Kids and Social Media
What Role Does AI Play In Education?
Hey Kids! Social Media Is A Big Responsibility