Talking about extreme online violence with young people: advice for parents

How can parents know when children are accessing violent material and how should they discuss the risks?

The revelations about the internet activity of Axel Rudakubana, who murdered three girls at a Southport dance class last summer, have renewed concerns about the availability of extreme violence online.

Experts, including child psychotherapists and internet safety advisers, agree that, although the details of the case are shocking, they present an ideal opportunity for parents to discuss the dangers of online violence, and its impact, with their children.