Staying safe online
Everyone should be able to use and enjoy the internet safely, without it leading to an increased risk of having a seizure.
This guide will help you to stay connected and enjoy the internet and social media safely.
Staying safe online
Back to the ChannelAndroid
Click the three lines menu on the top right.
Click “Settings”.
Click “Media & Contacts”.
Click “AutoPlay”.
Click “On Mobile Data and Wi-Fi Connections”.
Click “Never Autoplay Videos”.
Desktop
Click the arrow in top right-hand corner.
Click “Settings & Privacy”.
Click “Settings”.
Click “Videos” on the left-hand side.
“AutoPlay Videos” (off).
IOS
Click the three lines on the bottom right.
Click “Settings & Privacy”.
Click “Settings”.
Click “Videos & Photos” (under “Media and Contacts”).
Click “Never Autoplay Videos”.
Android, Desktop and IOS
You are unable to turn off autoplay across platforms.
Android, Desktop and IOS
Click the Profile icon
Click the “Settings” link
Under “Account” there select the option “Autoplay videos”
Click “Never Autoplay Videos”
Android, Desktop and IOS
Open the app and pull down on the home screen.
Click on the settings gear icon in the top-right corner.
Scroll down to “Additional Services” and tap on “Manage”.
Click the “Travel Mode” button, so the slider turns green.
Android and IOS
Go to the Profile page.
Click the hexagonal icon in the top right.
Click “Privacy & data”.
Unselect “Autoplay videos on cellular data”.
Desktop
Click the drop-down arrow to the right of your profile icon.
Click “Settings”.
Click “Privacy and data” on the left.
Unselect “Autoplay videos on desktop”.
Android and IOS
Click the Profile icon in the top left-hand corner
Click “Settings and privacy”
Click “Accessibility”
Click “Video Autoplay”
Click “Mobile data & Wi-Fi”
Click "Never”
Desktop
Click “More” in the left hand navigation
Click “Settings and privacy”
Click “Accessibility” under “General”
Click “Autoplay”
Click “Never”
YouTube can only turn off autoplaying another video on finishing the first video
Android
Click the Profile icon in top-right
Click “Settings”
Under the “Autoplay” heading you can unselect “Autoplay next video”
Desktop
Choose a video
To the right of the video there is a toggle to turn off autoplay
IOS
Click the Profile icon in top-right
Click “Settings”
Under the “Autoplay” heading you can unselect “Autoplay next video”
TikTok does not allow full disabling of autoplay in the feed. Videos still auto‑play when viewed.
Safe gaming online
Gaming is a great way to connect with friends and unwind, but some young people with epilepsy have concerns that gaming could negatively affect their epilepsy. So long as you respect your seizure triggers and prioritise your health, there is no reason you can’t enjoy online gaming.
Top tips
Keep your username as impersonal as you can: Use nicknames or names of a pet, and avoid using dates of birth.
Don't share any private information: Try not to mention names of your family members, and don't feature the faces of any children you know without their parent's permission.
Make sure your antivirus software is up to date and don't download any games that aren't from a reputable source.
Beware of scams from other players when buying or selling something in a game.
Block the trolls! Apps like Twitch have pretty strict rules on conduct anyway, so anyone using offensive language should be removed automatically. However, if someone is targeting your game play experience and harassing you, then block them. You've got no time for that - and they don't deserve your attention!
Pay attention to any content warnings. Games are a wonderful way of telling stories not often told in film or TV, but that can mean tackling very serious subjects. If you know something is going to upset or disturb you, then just play something else.
Seizure warnings are your first line of defence: If you know you are vulnerable to a particular trigger, then play close attention to what the seizure warning and content warning says. If in any doubt, just play something else!
Sit at least 1 metre from the screen and give your eyes regular breaks: It's recommended to look at something in the distance to relax your vision.
Keep hydrated: It's easy to get caught up in your virtual adventure so keep a water bottle at your side and drink little and often. Dehydration is another thing which can make you more vulnerable to seizures.
Play an alternative marathon: Stress and lack of sleep are two things which are likely to negatively affect epilepsy, so we advise against taking part in marathons. To keep yourself safe and healthy, take regular breaks and give your body a rest. We recommend playing a tag-team marathon instead, or splitting your time into chunks of up to 3 hours of gameplay followed by a 1 hour break.
If you have any concerns about your health and gaming, then speak to a nurse or GP before taking part in a gaming challenge.
Are you a gamer?
Interested in gaming and streaming? Team up with Young Epilepsy and turn your talents into fundraising by gaming and streaming for children and young people with epilepsy.
Know your rights
Zach’s Law was passed in 2023 to protect people with epilepsy from harm online. The law:
Criminalises sending flashing images to people who may be triggered into seizures
Encourages reporting malicious content
Emphasises information about online safety measures.
The Digital Economy Act 2017 also ensures social media providers protect users from bullying and discrimination and make appropriate actions against this behaviour.
The Channel
A space for young people, aged 13+, who are living with epilepsy, for them to share, learn and find support.
Get in touch
Do you have a question about our work? Please click on the link to find out the best person to email or call.
Safe social media settings
For users with some types of epilepsy and those who have photosensitive seizures (caused by flashing lights), it's important to be able to understand how to turn off the autoplay on your social media and avoid some types of video and animated content.