More than one in four young people with mental health or neurodevelopmental conditions experienced something harmful online in the past year, according to new research from the Child Mind Institute. Yet only one in five reported what happened through platform reporting tools.
This gap between experience and reporting matters. Youth with anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, and similar conditions face higher risks online. They may encounter cyberbullying, inappropriate contact, scams, or exposure to harmful content. Their vulnerabilities, including difficulty reading social cues or managing emotions, can make them targets.
The underreporting problem has real consequences. When young people don't report negative experiences, platforms lack data about what's happening. Without reports, they can't remove harmful content or accounts. Tech companies can't improve safety features. Parents and teens stay in the dark about patterns.
Several factors likely explain why reporting stays low. Young people may not know how to use platform reporting tools. Some worry reporting won't help or will make things worse. Others feel shame or embarrassment about what happened. Many don't recognize an experience as reportable, especially if a trusted person caused the harm.
Parents can bridge this gap. Start conversations about online experiences before problems occur. Ask your teen regularly what they see, who they talk to, and how interactions make them feel. Normalize discussing uncomfortable moments without blame.
Teach your child how to report on their specific platforms. Instagram, TikTok, Discord, and YouTube all have different processes. Walk through the steps together. Show them that reporting creates a record and often removes harmful content quickly.
If your child has ADHD, autism, anxiety, or depression, provide extra support. These teens often need help recognizing manipulation or understanding why something felt wrong. Check in more frequently about their online world.
The Child Mind Institute study underscores what experts already know. Young people with mental health conditions need tailored protection online. They