eSAFETY GUIDE

Reddit

13+
Minimum age according to Reddit
13+ Minimum age according to Reddit

What is Reddit?

Reddit is a social news aggregation and discussion site where you can share stories, links, images and videos, send messages and group chat. Topics and interests are organised into communities, which you can follow, comment on and vote on posts to increase their visibility. Content on Reddit can also be shared with and from third-party websites and apps like TikTok[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/esafety-guide/tiktok], Snapchat[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/esafety-guide/snapchat], and Imgur[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/esafety-guide/imgur].

Reddit promotes free speech and the open sharing of ideas. The topics covered are extremely diverse and may include anything from puppies and children’s shows to pornography and violence. While it is moderated by admins, bots and volunteer users, each community sets its own standards. Mature content is not shown until a user declares they 18 or over however, there is no age verification system in place.

Reddit is free to join, with a paid, premium version available which has the advertising removed. 

In 2020, Reddit acquired video editing mobile app Dubsmash.

Website: www.reddit.comExternal link[https://www.reddit.com/]

Apps: AndroidExternal link[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.reddit.frontpage&hl=en_AU&gl=US], Apple iOSExternal link[https://www.reddit.com/r/ios/]

How do people use Reddit?

Learn more about the benefits and risks associated with how people use social news aggregation and discussion sites like Reddit.

Reddit is used for: anonymous communication[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/anonymous], content sharing[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/content-sharing], in-app purchasing[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/in-app-purchasing], messaging/online chat[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/messaging-online-chat], online relationships[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/online-relationships], photo/video sharing[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/photo-video-sharing] and screen capture[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/online-tools-and-features/screen-capture]. 

How can you report inappropriate content, block a user or get personal data removed?

These links are provided by Reddit:

  • Report spam, abuse or contentExternal link[https://www.reddit.com/report]
    Use this page to report spam, abuse or other issues including inappropriate content or concerns about someone’s safety.
  • Block a userExternal link[https://reddit.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/214548323-How-do-I-block-someone-]
    Get instructions on how to block a user in chat, to prevents them from communicating with you anywhere in Reddit.
  • The report buttonExternal link[https://reddit.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/360008810132-Reporting]
    Learn about the anonymous report button that is shown on all posts and comments when you are logged into Reddit. 
  • Support requestsExternal link[https://www.reddithelp.com/en/submit-request]
    Identify your issue and submit a support request to the owners of Reddit, Reddit Inc.
  • Removing dataExternal link[https://reddit.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/360008917951-Removing-Your-Reddit-Data]
    Learn how to delete posts, comments, chats and messages from Reddit and stop third-party applications from accessing your information.

How can you protect your personal information?

This link is provided by Reddit:

  • Privacy PolicyExternal link[https://www.redditinc.com/policies/privacy-policy]
    Learn how Reddit collects, stores and shares your personal information.

These links are provided by Reddit:

  • User AgreementExternal link[https://policies.google.com/terms]
    The terms you agree to by using Reddit.
  • Content PolicyExternal link[https://www.redditinc.com/policies/content-policy] 
    Understand Reddit’s Content Policy, including the Not Safe for Work (NSFW) tag, unwelcome content and prohibited behaviour.
  • Reddit HelpExternal link[https://www.reddithelp.com/en]
    Browse Reddit Help for assistance with specific issues.

Last updated: 04/06/2024

The eSafety Guide helps you find out how to protect your personal information and report harmful content on common social media, games, apps and sites. Entries are for information only and are not reviews or endorsements by eSafety. Before choosing to use any online service or platform it’s best to:

  • do your own research to understand the risks and benefits
  • check the age rating and requirements
  • consider privacy
  • check the permissions and other settings
  • check the in-app reporting options.

If you are a parent or carer who is deciding whether a child should be allowed to use an online service or platform, you can also:

  • consider your child's readiness for the types of content and experiences they might encounter
  • help them understand what to do if they need help
  • provide ongoing support and monitoring, for example through regular check-ins with your child
  • agree to some rules about use of each service or platform.

To find out more, you can read the App checklist for parentsExternal link, as well as information about parental controls in social media, games and appsExternal link and mental wellbeing resources for familiesExternal link.