What is the Online Safety Act?

The Online Safety Act is a new law in the UK that helps protect people from harmful content and behaviour on the internet. It focuses on making websites, social media, and messaging apps safer for everyone—especially children and vulnerable adults.

If you’re a brain injury survivor, using the internet can sometimes feel overwhelming. Things change fast, and it’s not always easy to know what’s safe or what to do if something feels wrong. This guide will help you understand the Online Safety Act in simple steps—and how it can help you to stay safe online.

Why Is This Important for You?

Many people with brain injuries face challenges like:

• Information overload – too much happening online at once

• Fast-changing platforms – updates, new rules, or confusing layouts

• Not noticing risks – like scams, bullying, or unsafe websites

The Online Safety Act is designed to help reduce these risks—and you can take steps to protect yourself too.

5 Easy Steps to Stay Safe Online

🧩 Step 1: Understand What Online Harm Looks Like

Online spaces—like social media, websites, or messaging apps—can be helpful, fun, and informative. But they can also expose you to harmful or unsafe content. The Online Safety Act helps protect adults too, especially those who may be more vulnerable due to injury, disability, or illness.

If you’ve had a brain injury, you may find it harder to spot danger, make quick decisions, or filter large amounts of information. That’s why it’s important to know what kinds of online content the law says should not be there—and what you can do if you come across it.

🔍 What Counts as Harmful Online Content?

The law focuses on protecting people from serious harm. Here are the most common types to be aware of:

– Abuse, Threats, and Harassment

This includes aggressive or repeated messages designed to upset, scare, or pressure you.

❌ Examples:

• Insults or name-calling in comments or private messages

• Threats of violence or intimidation

• Repeated contact after you’ve asked someone to stop

• Sharing your personal information without your permission

✅ What to do:

• Use the block button—this will stop them from contacting you

• Report the person or comment to the platform (like Facebook, WhatsApp, or YouTube)

• Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or support worker

🧠 Reminder: You deserve respect online, just like you do in real life.

– Scams and Financial Tricks

These are fake offers or messages designed to steal your money or personal details.

❌ Examples:

• Messages saying you’ve won a prize or inheritance

• Fake charities asking for donations

• Emails claiming your bank account has been hacked

• Requests for passwords, National Insurance numbers, or card details

✅ What to do:

• Don’t reply or click on links—just delete the message

• Ask someone you trust if you’re unsure

• Report scams to Action Fraud (UK): www.actionfraud.police.uk

🧠 If something seems urgent, emotional, or “too good to be true,” stop and check first.

– Dangerous Health Advice

Online advice isn’t always safe—some people or groups promote harmful ideas that could put your health at risk.

❌ Examples:

• Encouraging you to stop taking medication without speaking to your doctor

• Telling you to fast, starve, or use unsafe treatments

• Promoting eating disorders, drug use, or self-harm

✅ What to do:

• Leave the page or group

• Report it if it’s dangerous or misleading

• Speak to your GP, support team, or a health charity

🧠 Always check health advice with a real medical professional, not just someone online.

– Sexual Exploitation or Manipulation

Some people pretend to be friendly but are actually trying to manipulate or take advantage of others emotionally, sexually, or financially.

❌ Examples:

• Strangers who ask for private photos or personal details

• People who make you feel uncomfortable but say it’s “just a joke”

• Messages that quickly become romantic or sexual

✅ What to do:

• Don’t feel pressured—you can say no

• Block and report the person

• Speak to someone you trust if something doesn’t feel right

🧠 Your instincts are valid. If it feels wrong—it probably is.

– Upsetting or Disturbing Content

Sometimes content is not illegal, but still upsetting. That might include violent videos, disturbing images, or aggressive arguments in comment sections.

❌ Examples:

• Graphic news videos

• Animal abuse

• Conspiracy theories that create fear or confusion

✅ What to do:

• Mute or unfollow the account

• Adjust your content settings to hide sensitive material

• Report the post if needed

🧠 You’re allowed to protect your peace of mind—online and offline.

✅ Quick Self-Check: “SAFE” Reminder

When you’re unsure, ask yourself:

S – Does this feel safe?
A – Am I being asked for anything private (money, info, photos)?
F – Does it feel fake or too fast?
E – Am I feeling emotional, confused, or pressured?

If in doubt, pause and talk to someone.

🔒 Step 2: Use Built-in Safety Tools

Most apps and websites now offer better safety tools because of the law.

✅ Look for:

• “Block” or “Mute” buttons – stops someone from contacting you

• “Report” buttons – tells the website about bad behaviour

• Privacy Settings – controls who can see or message you

📌 Tip: If the settings are hard to find, ask a trusted friend, family member or support worker to help adjust them.

🧠 Step 3: Use “Chunking” to Beat Information Overload

Feeling overwhelmed online? Try “chunking”—breaking things into small steps.

📋 Here’s how:

• Focus on one website/app at a time

• Use bookmarks to save useful links you trust

• Make short online sessions with breaks in between

• Write things down – like passwords, settings, or steps you followed

You don’t need to do everything at once—small is safe.

📲 Step 4: Keep Up With Changes—The Simple Way

Tech changes quickly. You don’t have to learn it all—but here’s how to stay updated:

• Follow trusted sources: Brain injury groups (such as Headway), the NHS, or Age UK sometimes explain changes in easy words

• Use “automatic updates” on your phone or apps (this keeps safety features current)

• Ask for help when needed – support workers, friends or even libraries often offer tech help

📌 Remember: You are not alone if you get stuck.

🚩 Step 5: Know When Something’s Not Right

It’s not always easy to spot a risk, but here are some warning signs:

🚨 Red Flags:

• Someone asks for money or personal information

• You feel uncomfortable or upset by a message

• A link looks strange or too good to be true

• The person talking to you won’t show who they are

💬 If something feels wrong—stop, don’t reply, and talk to someone you trust.

🛠️ Extra Tools Just for You

• Make a “Safety Plan”: Write down what to do if you feel unsafe online

• Use visual aids: Print or save step-by-step guides with pictures

• Use speech-to-text or screen readers if reading is hard

✅ Final Thoughts

The internet can be a great tool, but it should also be a safe and supportive space. The Online Safety Act is here to help make that happen—and you have the right to feel safe and in control online.

If something confuses you or doesn’t feel right, remember:
👉 Pause. Ask. Act safely.

You’re not alone. There’s help and support available—step by step.

Also see

Brain Injuries and Alcohol

Brain Injury Comes in Many Different Forms

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