Reporting Harmful Content
If you've experienced or witnessed harmful content or behaviour online, there are steps you can take to report it.
In most cases, the first step is to report the content directly to the platform where it appears. Social media platforms and other online services have their own rules about what is and isn't allowed, as well as reporting tools for content or accounts that may break those rules.
If you've already reported something and you're unhappy with the response, we may be able to help.
What can I report?
We provide support to people in the UK who have experienced or witnessed harmful content online and need help understanding their reporting options.
We can provide advice around a range of online harms, including:
Online bullying
Harassment and stalking
Threats and abusive behaviour
Violent or graphic content
Animal abuse content
Self-harm and suicide content
Intimate image abuse
Other harmful content that may breach a platform's rules
Before contacting us, you should have reported the content directly to the platform first and allowed them an opportunity to respond.
There are some types of content that need to be reported to a specialist service instead. For example, if you come across child sexual abuse material (CSAM) online, this should be reported directly to the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF).
If someone is in immediate danger or you believe a crime is taking place, contact the police.
In an emergency, call 999.
Can I make an anonymous report?
Yes. If you've witnessed harmful content online and don't need advice or a response from us, you can submit information through our anonymous reporting form, and you won't need to provide your name or contact details.
Anonymous reports can help us understand the types of harmful content people are encountering online and identify wider patterns and emerging issues. However, because the report is anonymous, we won't be able to contact you about your submission or provide an individual response or update.
If you need advice or support with something that has happened to you, or you would like us to respond to your report, please use our main reporting route instead.
What happens to my report?
When you submit a report, our team will review the information you've provided and consider what support or reporting options may be available. Depending on the circumstances, we may:
Provide advice about the platform's reporting process
Help you understand the platform's rules or Community Guidelines
Signpost you to a specialist organisation better placed to help
Where appropriate, consider whether the content can be raised with the platform through one of our established reporting routes
Submitting a report doesn't guarantee that content will be removed. Platforms ultimately make decisions about whether content breaches their rules, and some content may be harmful or upsetting without meeting the threshold for removal.
We'll always aim to give you clear information about your options and what you can do next.