07/09/2026
What to do when you witness harm online. Small actions can make
online spaces safer. You don’t have to do everything. Choose the response that feels safe for you.
➡️ Prioritise your safety. Before you intervene, ask:
• Is it safe for me to get involved?
• Could this situation escalate?
• What support might the person affected want?
Being an ally shouldn't come at the expense of your own wellbeing.
➡️ Redirect: Shift attention toward positive and supportive voices.
➡️ Record: Save evidence safely if appropriate.
➡️ Report: Use platform tools to report harassment, abuse or harmful content. Not every response needs to be public.
➡️ Reach out: Supporting someone privately can reduce feelings of isolation:
💛 "Hey, I saw what happened."
💛 "That wasn't okay."
💛 "How can I support you?"
Avoid:
❌ Contacting the perpetrator
❌ Speaking on the survivor's behalf
❌ Pressuring them to go public
➡️ React: If it's safe to do so, you can calmly name the behaviour:
• "That's not okay."
• "That's sexist."
• "That crosses a line."
Focus on the behaviour, not the person. You don't need to start an argument
to show support.
➡️ Reset: Look after yourself. Intervening online can be emotionally draining.
• Take a break
• Review your privacy settings
• Block or mute abusive accounts
• Reach out for support
If you've experienced sexual harm, image-based abuse, harassment, or concerning online behaviour, Te Whare Tāwharau is here for you.
Adapted from the Centre for Information Resilience, From Bystander to Ally: Six Steps for Safer Online Spaces.
📷 : Mark Luis via Unsplash
