For many LGBT+ children and young people, and their families, the internet is a place where they find invaluable support and community. As one of the young people in our Staying Safe Online report said, ‘Seeing healthy and positive LGBT people on the internet saved my life.

But we know there are harms involved in living our lives online, particularly for LGBT+ children and young people. Homophobic, biphobic and transphobic (HBT) language is rife, with 97 per cent of LGBT+ young people having seen HBT content online.  

Initiatives like Safer Internet Day play a vital role in improving LGBT+ children and young people’s online experiences. They move us ever closer to an online world where all LGBT+ children and young people feel supported, affirmed, and free to be themselves.