Understanding what children experience online is more important than ever. One growing trend is sadfishing – when someone shares exaggerated emotional posts on social media to gain attention or sympathy. While many young people use social media to seek genuine support, oversharing personal feelings online can sometimes leave them vulnerable to unkind comments, bullying, or unwanted contact from others.
Our Online Safety Guide for Parents explains what sadfishing is, why young people might engage in it, and how you can support your child to stay safe. It includes practical advice on:
- Encouraging open and honest conversations at home
- Helping your child build healthy, face-to-face relationships
- Talking about boundaries and oversharing online
- Knowing when to check in if your child seems worried or withdrawn