Experts urge parents to keep talks open about violent videos

Parents should make clear that children can come to them for help if they encounter or become involved in violent videos, experts told DR in response to readers’ questions.

Videos showing children being hit, kicked, slapped and verbally humiliated are shared among young people on platforms including TikTok, Telegram and Snapchat. DR is examining the phenomenon in its documentary Brutale Børn. In some cases, conflicts over former partners or friendships precede the videos, which are then used as weapons in disputes.

Mia Lind Winther, a psychologist who leads Save the Children’s SletDet counselling service for children, young people and parents dealing with digital abuse, said children share the videos for many reasons. Some are shocked by what they have seen and do not know how to seek help without forwarding it. Others may have become less sensitive to violent material because they encounter it frequently. A screen can also create distance from the person shown, while some online communities glorify violence and put others down.

Digital investigator Valdemar Balle said recommendation algorithms can be influenced by what users watch and interact with, what their friends see, and demographic information such as age. Videos that attract many views, comments and shares within an age group may be shown to more people in that group. But much of the material also spreads directly through group chats, private messages and stories, often sent by people the recipient already knows.

Winther said parents should respond with care and stay calm, whether their child has been harmed or knows about an incident. Children may fear that their parents will get angry or take away their phones. Parents should ask about the child’s experience and feelings, then consider seeking help from the school, SSP, a cooperation between schools, social services and police, or the police. Families can also contact the free and confidential SletDet counselling service, which advises on children’s online experiences. It is open from 10am to 7pm Monday to Thursday and 1pm to 4pm on Fridays.

Winther said adults should show interest in children’s lives online, ask questions before judging or acting, and talk with them about what is and is not acceptable to share.