SECTION 10
Reporting
cases of
online abuse
If you are made aware of, or have concerns about, a potential case of online abuse, then working in partnership with the right agencies ensures that the appropriate support is quickly received.
For parents and carers
Talk to your child to offer support and reassurance and, if appropriate, report the suspected abuse to the child’s school and/or to the relevant national authority.
Report the incident online using the reporting, blocking, or moderating settings available on the services that the child is using.
You can also report child sexual abuse material to the platform or site where it is hosted, or via national and international reporting mechanisms. For more information see page 17. If you think your child is in immediate danger, contact your local or national police force.
For professionals
All settings and organisations that work with children and young people should have child protection and safeguarding policies and procedures in place. The designated safeguarding person or officer will be able to let you know where these are if you are not familiar with them.
These documents should be regularly reviewed, read, and understood by all adults. Ensure that you communicate with your safeguarding lead or line manager to keep your knowledge and practice up to date.
If you have any concerns about the welfare of a child, follow your setting’s mandatory procedures to record the concern and escalate either to an individual or organisation with safeguarding responsibility, or to the relevant authority, e.g., local police, national reporting organisation, or local support services.
If you think the child is in immediate danger, contact your local or national police force, a national helpline, or other relevant agencies such as your local child protection services.
Using correct terminology while reporting
If your role has mandatory safeguarding procedures, it is critical that any reports use correct terminology to accurately describe offenses. It is also useful for parents to use correct terminology, as it will help you access the correct support and guidance.
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