Report & Get Support

Who to contact about online child exploitation and grooming — and what happens after you report.

If a child is being harmed, at risk of harm, or a suspected offender is nearby — this is an emergency.

1. CEOP Safety Centre — report online abuse

The Child Exploitation and Online Protection command of the National Crime Agency investigates online child sexual abuse. Use their online reporting form — it's the right place to report grooming, sextortion, or suspicious contact with a child.

How: Go to ceop.police.uk → "Report" → fill in the Safety Centre form. You can report anonymously.

CEOP analysts triage every report and pass cases to the right police force or safeguarding team. They'll tell you what happens next and give you a reference number.

2. NSPCC — advice & 24/7 helpline

Talk to trained counsellors about a worry — even if you're not sure it's abuse. They'll advise on what to do, and can refer to children's services or police.

Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (24/7, free, confidential). Email: [email protected]. Also see nspcc.org.uk for guidance on keeping children safe.

3. Childline — for children themselves

If a child has experienced grooming, abuse, or is worried about something online, Childline is a free, private place to talk — no judgment, no telling parents without consent unless there's a safety risk.

Childline: 0800 1111 (24/7, free, confidential) or childline.org.uk — online chat and message boards available.

4. Internet Watch Foundation — report illegal content

If you've come across sexual images or videos of children online, report the URL to the IWF. They work with police and tech companies to remove it and identify the offender.

Report at: iwf.org.uk — anonymous, and you won't be asked for personal details.

5. Other support

• Local children's services (your council) — concerns about a child's welfare, 24/7 duty teams.
• Police non-emergency: 101 — or report online via your local force's website.
• Victim Support: 0808 168 9111 — free emotional support for victims and families.
• The Lucy Faithfull Foundation: Stop It Now helpline (0808 1000 900) — for people worried about their own or another adult's behaviour.
• CEOP Thinkuknow: thinkuknow.co.uk — age-appropriate online safety education for children and parents.

What happens after you report

A trained analyst reviews the report. If it involves a child at risk, it's referred to the relevant police force or local safeguarding team, who assess and respond — often the same day for urgent cases. Your report is confidential. You don't need proof: a genuine concern is enough to report.

"Reporting isn't about being sure. It's about being brave. One report can stop a predator."