UK Reporting Pathways
Practical, step-by-step guides to reporting every type of child safety concern in the UK. Find the right route for your situation.
If a child is in immediate danger — call 999 now
These guides are for situations where you need to report, document, or escalate a concern. They do not replace emergency services. If a child is being harmed right now, or is in immediate danger, call 999 first.
Find your reporting route
Not sure where to start? Select the option that best describes your situation.
Online harms
Online Grooming
Online grooming is when an adult builds a relationship of trust with a child online in order to mani…
Sextortion
Sextortion is when someone threatens to share intimate or sexual images of a child or young person u…
Abuse Material (CSAM)
Child sexual abuse material (CSAM), sometimes called indecent images of children (IIOC) in UK law, i…
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is repeated, intentional harm caused to a child through digital devices — including so…
Harmful Social Media Content
Harmful social media content includes material that promotes self-harm, eating disorders, suicide me…
Suspicious Online Contact
Suspicious online contact is when an adult attempts to communicate with a child online in a way that…
Image-Based Abuse
Image-based abuse — sometimes called non-consensual sharing of intimate images or 'revenge porn' — i…
Exploitation and missing
Child Criminal Exploitation
Child criminal exploitation (CCE) occurs when an individual or group manipulates, coerces, deceives,…
County Lines
County lines is a specific form of child criminal exploitation where criminal gangs use children to …
Missing Child
If a child is missing, report immediately. There is no legal requirement to wait 24 hours — this is …
In-person settings
School Safeguarding
Every school in England is required by law to have safeguarding procedures and a Designated Safeguar…
Children's Services (MASH)
Local authority children's services, often accessed through a Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), …
Sports Club Concern
Sports clubs have a duty of care to children in their programmes. All clubs affiliated to national g…
Tutor or Coach Concern
Private tutors, music teachers, driving instructors, and other adults who work with children in one-…
Platforms and regulators
Practical guidance
This guidance is for informational purposes. It is not a substitute for emergency services or professional safeguarding support. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999 (UK) or 911 (US) now.
Disclaimer: This hub provides educational information about UK reporting pathways. It is not legal or professional safeguarding advice. For case-specific guidance, contact the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 or speak to a qualified safeguarding professional. Information was last reviewed April 2026. UK laws and helpline details may change — always verify current contact information with the relevant organisation.