How ABA May Support Blocking and Reporting Unwanted Online Contact

Define unwanted contact

Ask how the person describes the issue and what outcome they want. Examples include repeated messages, impersonation, pressure, threats, sexual content, requests for images or money, location tracking, account access, or contact after a boundary.

Use an evidence-first sequence when safe

Save the message, username, link, date, time, and relevant context before blocking or deleting when a report may need it. Avoid redistributing harmful content. A qualified responder should direct evidence handling for serious crime, exploitation, or illegal material.

Make block, report and help accessible

FTC's online safety guidance discusses ignoring or blocking an harasser, saving records, reporting inappropriate or threatening behavior, and seeking trusted help for youth audiences. Adapt current platform steps and the proper emergency, protective, school, workplace, or law-enforcement route.

Protect communication and privacy

The Ethics Code addresses confidentiality, client protection, competence, and required reporting for covered analysts. ASHA supports AAC access. Avoid confronting the sender or investigating outside role when that could increase risk.

A practical example

Reese tests five fictional platform scenarios. Evidence, block, report, and trusted-help routes are accessible in 4/5. Reese completes the chosen response in all four. The unavailable report button remains a platform gap.

Questions families can use

What does the person want? Is there immediate danger? What evidence should be preserved? Are block and report controls accessible? Which trusted person and qualified authority apply? Could direct confrontation increase risk?