What is Digital Harm?

Digital harm is the emotional, psychological, and social distress caused by unsafe, excessive, or exploitative use of technology.

At AFK, we see digital harm not as a future risk — but a present-day crisis affecting children, carers, and vulnerable communities across Australia and around the world.

Technology should empower — not exploit.

But increasingly, digital environments are designed for maximum engagement, not maximum wellbeing. Vulnerable users — especially children, neurodivergent individuals, people living with disability, or those with limited access to support — often bear the brunt of this harm.

And the pain it causes is real:

• Interrupted sleep
   
• Panic attacks
   
• Self-isolation
   
• Academic or workplace disruption
   
• Emotional dysregulation
   
• Long-term mental health impacts

• Constant anxiety or emotional burnout after using screens
   
• Withdrawal from friends, family, or everyday life
   
• Pressure to be always available, online or “on call”
   
• Exposure to bullying, harassment, or abuse in games or apps
   
• Shame, fear, or isolation after being manipulated, catfished, or exploited
   
• Loss of joy, creativity, or self-worth linked to comparison culture or algorithmic manipulation
   
• Carers feeling helpless, emotionally exhausted, or blamed when trying to support tech-impacted kids