Reporting Harmful Social Media Content
Harmful social media content includes material that promotes self-harm, eating disorders, suicide methods, extreme violence, radicalisation, or other content that risks causing serious harm to children. Under the Online Safety Act 2023, platforms operating in the UK have legal duties to protect children from such content. You can report to the platform, and if the platform does not act appropriately, you can escalate to Ofcom.
Immediate danger — call 999
If a child has been directly encouraged to harm themselves and is in immediate danger, call 999. For urgent mental health crisis, call 999 or take them to A&E.
What to report
- •Content promoting self-harm, suicide methods, or eating disorders targeted at young people
- •Accounts specifically designed to radicalise or recruit children to extremist views
- •Violent or graphic content that is not age-restricted despite platform rules
- •Content that sexualises children or normalises child sexual abuse
- •Coordinated campaigns targeting a child with harmful content
How to report
Platform in-app reporting
When to use
As the first step on every platform where you find the content
How to contact
Every major platform has a report function. Instagram: three dots → Report → It's inappropriate. TikTok: hold the video → Report. YouTube: three dots under video → Report. Snapchat: hold on snap → Report. Select the most relevant category, e.g. 'Self-harm and suicide', 'Hate speech', or 'Child abuse'.
What to expect
Platforms are required under the Online Safety Act 2023 to have accessible and effective reporting tools. Response times vary. Keep a screenshot of your report and note the date, as you may need this if escalating to Ofcom.
Ofcom complaint (if platform fails to act)
When to use
If the platform has not actioned your report within a reasonable time, or if you believe the platform is systematically failing to protect children
How to contact
Use the Ofcom online complaints form at ofcom.org.uk/complaints/online-safety. Ofcom regulates platforms under the Online Safety Act. You can report both specific content and systemic failures.
What to expect
Ofcom does not remove individual pieces of content — it regulates platforms. If Ofcom finds a platform has breached its duties, it can impose significant fines. Your complaint contributes to Ofcom's regulatory intelligence even if no individual action is taken.
IWF (for illegal content, including CSAM)
When to use
If the content includes illegal material such as child sexual abuse imagery
How to contact
Report at iwf.org.uk. This is the appropriate route for content that is illegal, not merely harmful. IWF can issue removal notices globally.
What to expect
IWF has powers to require removal of illegal content from UK-accessible platforms. Reports are assessed within 24 hours.
Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit (CTIRU)
When to use
If the content promotes terrorism or extremism, or is being used to recruit or radicalise young people
How to contact
Report at gov.uk/report-terrorism. This routes to the Metropolitan Police's specialist unit.
What to expect
CTIRU can request platform removal of terrorist content and may investigate individuals involved in radicalisation. They will not typically provide feedback to reporters.
Evidence checklist
Gather this information before or during your report. Do not delay reporting while collecting evidence — but preserve what you can.
- URL or direct link to the content (copy from browser address bar or use 'copy link' on the post)
- Screenshot of the content, including the account name and timestamp
- Note whether the content is publicly available or in a private group/channel
- Any evidence that the content has been targeted at the specific child
- Platform report reference number, date of report, and platform response (or lack thereof)
- Any other accounts sharing or amplifying the same content
What to say
You do not need to use a script, but this template may help if you are nervous about making the call. Adapt it to your circumstances.
"I am reporting harmful content on [platform] that is being seen by children, including [relationship to child — e.g. my child aged X]. The content at [URL/username] promotes [self-harm / suicide / extremism / other harm]. I reported this to the platform on [date] using their in-app tool and [have not received a response / received a response that the content does not violate their rules]. I believe this content causes serious harm to children and is in breach of the platform's duties under the Online Safety Act 2023."
What happens next
Platform reports may result in content removal or account restrictions. If escalated to Ofcom, your complaint feeds into regulatory oversight of the platform. Ofcom can impose fines of up to 10% of global turnover for systemic failures. Over time, collective reporting pressure can lead to platforms improving their systems and protections for children.
What not to do
- ✗Do not share the harmful content yourself, even to raise awareness
- ✗Do not engage with or comment on accounts posting harmful content targeting children
- ✗Do not assume a platform has reviewed your report if you have not received a response — follow up or escalate
- ✗Do not only rely on platform reporting — if content is causing serious harm, contact Ofcom too
Frequently asked questions
What can Ofcom actually do about harmful content?
Ofcom cannot remove individual pieces of content, but it can investigate whether platforms are meeting their legal duties under the Online Safety Act 2023. If a platform is found to be in breach — for example by failing to protect children from self-harm content — Ofcom can issue fines of up to 10% of global annual turnover, or up to £18 million, whichever is greater.
The content is hosted overseas — can anything be done?
The Online Safety Act applies to platforms that provide services to UK users, regardless of where the platform is headquartered. Ofcom can still regulate and fine these platforms. The IWF also works globally to remove illegal content from overseas hosting.
Sources and further information
- Ofcom — Online Safety Complaints — Ofcom
- Online Safety Act 2023 — Overview — UK Government
- Report Terrorism Online — Home Office
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.
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Last reviewed: 2026-04-19. This page provides general educational information, not legal or professional safeguarding advice. UK helplines and legislation may change — verify current details with the relevant organisation.