What is 4chan: Fun, risks, alternatives & what parents should know

Have you heard about the 4chan website nowadays? If so, then definitely you want to know: what is 4chan? Well! It’s a digital platform where you can read and share anything anonymously. The best thing is that it allows you to talk about a wide range of topics like politics, games, trending memes, and adult content.

Thus, sharing of adult content raises many concerns, especially for teens. That’s why we have decided to write this blog to inform parents about everything related to 4chan, including its risks. Also, we’ll suggest 4chan alternative websites. So, keep reading!

What is the 4chan website?

4chan is a digital platform created by a teenager, Christopher Poole, in 2004, allowing you to share images, videos, and text related to different topics, including anime, porn, and sports, anonymously.

DMR statistics show that 4chan has accumulated 680 million pageviews in 2023. Despite the controversy, 4chan remains an active and widely influential online platform, even matching the traffic of major news sites.

• Why is it so appealing to young people?

You will be surprised to know that almost 20 million people visit this website monthly. Moreover,  4chan has 900,000 new posts on a daily basis. The reasons for its popularity are that it’s completely free to use and does not require a sign-up. Users can access a wide range of content anonymously. 

Also, you might be unaware of the fact that 4chan is actually the first place where people create memes and trends. And from there, viral memes and images come to other platforms like TikTok, Instagram, etc.

However, the main downside of this platform is a lack of strict age verifications and content moderation. As a result, people of all ages, including young children, can gather on the site, and minors get exposed to inappropriate content easily, which has an impact on their young minds.

How to use 4chan?

Now, you might have developed some idea about what 4chan is. But for a better understanding, it’s important to know how this platform works and give you access to a wide range of topics.

Well! Unlike other platforms, the only thing 4chan demands is that you must have a web browser. It doesn’t ask you to register an account or subscribe.

So, after opening your web browser, you just need to type “4chan.org” in the search bar, and that’s all to start browsing it.

Step 1Boards for every topic

Once you open the website, you will note an organized system on 4chan. It has made different sections for different topics, which it calls “boards.”  So, just scroll down the list and select the topics on which you want to discuss or share a post. Let’s explore the types of boards available!

• /b/: It’s showing the “Random” board, which means you find jokes, memes, and other funs from all around the world here. 
• /pol/: It’s for the “Politically Incorrect” board, where you will see political discussions. It’s the second most popular board on the site. For instance, people commented in real time on the 2022 Buffalo mass shooting.
• /g/: ‘G’ is short for gadget, so it’s actually a technology board. Here, you can discuss computers and other useful gadgets as well as speak about coding.

Step 2How to post

Now, if you have decided to post on this website, then simply click on a board you wish to post on, like anime. Next, select either “New Thread” or “Comment” on an existing one.

That’s all, you can share what you want related to your selected board without revealing who you are.

What happened with 4chan going down?

Have you also heard of a 4chan shutdown? If so, then it’s not the reality; 4chan is still up and running. You might have visited during downtimes and seen errors in page loading. But that only occurs because of technical difficulties, server issues, or even web traffic overload. So, don’t believe in rumours, go and search by yourself.

• Controversy impacts

You always see 4chan in the hot news because of the controversies that surround it. The main reason is that it allows users to share content without revealing their identity. Thus, most people with bad intentions try to benefit from it and share really hateful or adult content. 

That’s why people blame this site for hosting false information, pranks, and harmful trends. You know, owing to this disfame, many of the internet service providers and even some countries have completely blocked this website.

Now, you might be thinking that the owners of this website do not have to do anything? Well! They have taken action, but the intention while creating this website was to give freedom to share ideas. That’s why they still give freedom to content.

Is 4chan safe to browse?

You might have observed in the pictures above that boards on the website containing adult content are marked as NSFW; these parts are definitely unsafe for kids and teens, even with the content filter options. Let’s dive deeper and understand the risks so you may take timely action.

• Exposure to harmful content: The main downside of 4chan is that it has no effective filters to prevent kids from being exposed to porn. As a result, kids get exposed to harmful content depicting sexual scenes or more intense content.
• False or misleading information: Moreover, don’t even think that all the information related to politics or other topics found on this platform is true. People are free to discuss and spread various news just for fun or even to create chaos.
• Hateful speech and harassment: Furthermore, 4chan has grown more extreme since it allows users to post anonymously. As a result, some people post hurtful comments and harass others, knowing that they cannot be held accountable. According to Vice’s previous statistics, hate speech has grown significantly on 4chan since 2015, including racial slurs, racist threats, and stomach-churning memes.
• Online scams: Also, there is a possibility of a phishing scam. For instance, people may share fake links with others, and by clicking such links, you may lose your personal data. Then, they start blackmailing you and demanding money.

Does 4chan allow NSFW content?

Absolutely yes! 4chan does allow NSFW content. However, they are just limited to specific boards and you will see such boards marked with red-colored NSFW as a warning. 

However, the major issue here is that even if you choose the safe board, you still have access to NSFW content because the website lacks filters.

What’s not allowed on 4chan?

Although 4chan has given freedom to users to post any type of content, it has still put some measures in place. For instance, it restricts users from posting the below-mentioned intense content, like

• Illegal content (abuse of minors and pornography specific to 4chan)
• Personal details and data
• Files that are harmful or virus-laden,
• Spam and unsolicited messages
• Impersonation (The act of deceiving others by taking on different personas)

Top 8 4chan alternatives in 2025

After all the above discussion about the 4chan image-based board, if your mind has changed and you feel that it’s not right for you. Then don’t worry! It’s not the only platform available online. So, let’s have a look at the 4chan website alternatives with their standouts and concerns. So, you may pick the one according to your preferences.

2chan

2chan, also called The Futaba Channel, is another 4chan of Japan, with all content in the Japanese language. This imageboard is very popular among teens because of a notable discourse surrounding anime, manga, and gaming. There is a diverse range of board subjects. The 2chan site also serves as the source for several memes and trends of internet culture.

Primary concerns:  

• Some boards may still be explicit or pornographic.
• Overwhelming content in Japanese presents a participation barrier.

420chan

Next on our list is 420chan. This digital website also covers a wide range of topics, including cannabis and drug culture,  an alternative lifestyle, technology, wrestling, and entertainment. This site is known for open discussions and active and distinct subcommunities.

Primary concerns:  

• Certain discussions might lead to misinformation.
• The substance-related content might not be suitable for a youthful audience.

8kun (formerly 8chan)

If we talk about 8kun, then keep in mind that it is a less moderated and freer imageboard. It is appealing to communities that seek less regulation. Users have absolute free speech， fostering very small niche subcommunities.

Primary concerns:  

• Lack of structure results in perilous debates.
• Being noted for controversial content, it is also infamous for dangerous debates.

Endchan

Similarly, Endchan is a much faster and more anonymous platform, giving you access to a wide number of discussion boards. It’s notable for public and private boards, and grants users anonymity.

Primary concerns:

• May contain extreme and offensive materials.
• Due to small communities, some boards might be less moderated.

Wizardchan

Next comes the Wizardchan. This platform is also very popular as it focuses on a man’s personal life, hobbies, and struggles as a virgin over the age of 30. Support for identified groups is tailored. Mental health and lifestyle topics are primary.

Primary concerns:

• Uninviting and at times, pessimistic.  
• Repetitive subjects make it less inviting.

Lainchan

Moreover, Lainchan integrates discussions on philosophy with technology and cybersecurity.  You know, its theme is usually centered on the anime Serial Experiments Lain, thus making it more appealing. Unique blend of philosophy and technology with deep-level discussions, and a skilled community of users.

Primary concerns:

• Some parts may be too advanced for newcomers.
• Some boards may contain hacking content.

Arisuchan

Similarly, Aricuchan is another digital platform that integrates discussions around technology and cyberpunk with philosophy and art. Aesthetic, creative, and thought-provoking atmosphere makes it appeal to users who appreciate niche art and tech culture.

Primary concerns:

• Lower pace of conversations with a small user base.
• Some edgy or dark content.

Reddit

Last but not least, you definitely know bout Reddit. It has a more structured form of moderation and clear rules that categorize discussions into “subreddits” based on topics. A vast range of communities for almost any interest, theme, and topic for all ages. Besides, strong moderation in most subreddits makes the platform unique.

Primary concerns:

• Some communities can still be toxic and hostile.
• Some regions may be overly restricted due to overmoderation.

What should parents do if teens use 4chan and similar sites?

Now, if you found that your teens also visit 4chan or alternatives, then you need to be alert and react calmly. While there are some security risks associated with anonymous websites like 4chan, they are not unavoidable. Parental involvement and guidance play a key role in children’s safe online experiences and responsible behavior. Trust and communication are key steps.

So, to help you in this case, let’s have a look at some practical tips to help you protect your teens.

Calm and open discussions

This is only possible if you listen to your kids without judgment. Thus, after giving a trustworthy space, tell your kids that not everything they read online is true. Start with good conversation starters, education with real-life examples. Discuss the impacts of adult content on the mind, and answer their questions patiently. And whenever they get exposed to it, they know what to do. 

Establish clear rules

Next, it’s also a good approach to make rules along with your children. For instance, set the duration of their online engagement and their schedule. Beyond taking everything under your control and imposing harsh restrictions, promoting digital literacy and self-awareness is a long-term approach.

Encourage safer options

Instead of completely preventing your kids from accessing websites, you need to offer specialized safe websites within controlled settings. This empowers children to explore the Internet while protecting them from harmful content.  

How FlashGet Kids helps keep kids safe online

While the abovementioned tips are helpful in promoting online safety among children, if you want more robust protection for your kids’ digital whereabouts, then you should try parental control software.  

Of all the options available, FlashGet Kids stands out because it offers comprehensive monitoring and management features. For instance, you can add inappropriate websites to the URL Blacklist via Safe Browser to block them for kids. Also, you can set overall screen time limits for device use or specific apps. All these can be done remotely once the installation and setups are finished. Moreover, you can screen mirror a device and thus keep an eye on what your kids are exploring on the Internet while sitting in the same place.

Conclusion

In short, 4chan is a famous fun imageboard where users share thoughts and ideas on various topics, including adult ones, without revealing who they are. However, the lack of filters and any verification system makes it highly unsafe for teens and kids. Besides, the platform carries a high risk of exposure to hateful content, and parents should be vigilant about this.

So, to protect teens, you must educate them about he online risks and also try to use reliable parental control tools like Flashget Kids. This app proves relay effective in ensuring kids’ digital safety by giving you real-time alerts.

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