What it is
Tumblr is a blogging site. People follow tags and blogs rather than only people they know. That makes it interesting for art, fandom, and identity, and it also makes adult content easy to reach through a search or a recommended blog.
Anonymous questions and messaging let someone contact a child without a real name. Policies on adult content have changed more than once. Assume the filter is imperfect.
What to look out for
- Tags and blogs that are sexual, graphic, or focused on eating disorders or self-harm.
- Anonymous questions that turn personal.
- A blog that shares their face together with a school, town, or age.
- Links that move the conversation to a private messenger.
Ways to stay safe
These steps are for Tumblr. The house rules still apply on every app.
- If they are under 13, this is not the right app. Even for older teens, look at the blogs they follow.
- Turn off anonymous questions.
- Keep the blog from showing a real name and school together.
- Search a few of their main tags yourself so you know what else those tags contain.
In the news
Published reports you can read yourself. A headline is the proof, not a set of instructions, and this page does not repeat graphic detail.
- Overhaul algorithms and age checks or face fines, tech firms told Ofcom’s code covers adult content children can reach. This report does not name Tumblr. Tumblr has already been pulled from an app store after illegal images of children got past its filters.
A way to start the conversation
Ask which tags feel like theirs, and which ones they would be uncomfortable reading out at the dinner table. Offer a better place for the hobby if the surrounding posts are not safe.
Video
Tumblr parent briefing
A short video for this guide can be added by an editor. Until then, the written briefing above is the one to use.