What to Do If Something Goes Wrong Online: Step-by-Step Guide for UK Parents
A calm, practical approach to responding when your child encounters a problem online
The reality: In today’s digital world, most children will encounter something upsetting, confusing, or concerning online at some point. A child might see something inappropriate, be contacted by a stranger, spend money accidentally in a game, have their privacy violated, or fall victim to cyberbullying. The good news? There are clear, practical steps you can take right now to help your child, support them emotionally, and prevent similar issues in the future.
This guide covers: How to stay calm and respond effectively, what evidence to gather, how to use platform tools to report and block, UK-specific reporting routes, and how to rebuild trust and safety with your child afterwards.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Listen
The moment you discover something has gone wrong online can feel overwhelming. Your instinct might be anger, panic, or blame—especially if your child has been hurt or taken advantage of. But your first and most important job is to stay calm, so your child feels safe enough to open up.
Why This Matters
If you react with anger or blame, your child is far less likely to come to you in the future when they need help. They may hide problems, delete evidence, or suffer in silence. Research shows that children who feel supported by their parents are more resilient and recover better from online harm.
What to Do Right Now
- Take a moment: If you’re very upset, take 5 minutes to breathe and collect yourself before speaking to your child. Go for a quick walk, have a glass of water, or count to ten.
- Ask open questions: Instead of “Why did you..?” or “How could you..?”, try: “Can you tell me what happened?” or “Help me understand what’s going on.”
- Listen more than you speak: Let your child explain fully without interrupting. They may be confused, scared, or ashamed, and your calm attention helps them feel less alone.
- Reassure them: Make it clear that you are not angry with them, and that you’re there to help. Say things like: “I’m glad you told me. We’ll work through this together” or “This isn’t your fault.”
- Avoid blame: Resist the urge to say “I told you so” or “You shouldn’t have…” Save that conversation for later, once the immediate crisis is handled.
Step 2: Gather the Facts and Evidence
Once you’ve listened and reassured your child, your next job is to gather information about what happened. This information serves two purposes: it helps you decide what action to take, and it creates a record you can use if you need to report to a platform or authority.
Key Questions to Ask
- What platform or app? TikTok, Roblox, YouTube, Fortnite, Discord, Snapchat, Instagram, or something else?
- What exactly happened? Was it inappropriate content, contact from a stranger, bullying from peers, loss of money, privacy violation, or something else?
- Who was involved? A stranger, someone they know from school, a group, or unknown accounts?
- When did it happen? Today, yesterday, ongoing? Is it still happening?
- Does your child still have access to the platform or the person/content? This matters for gathering evidence and blocking.
How to Capture Evidence
Do this carefully and thoughtfully, with your child’s knowledge and consent:
- Take screenshots: Screenshot messages, comments, posts, or content before it’s deleted. Make sure the date and time are visible.
- Record the username: Note the username or account name of anyone involved.
- Write down URLs: If it’s a web page, note the full address. If it’s a post or profile, try to capture the link.
- Keep the original files: Don’t edit or crop screenshots unless you need to for privacy (e.g., redacting other children’s names).
- Note the context: Write down what happened, when, and any other relevant details while they’re fresh.
- Do NOT engage further: Do not message the person, respond to comments, or report yet. Just gather evidence first.
Evidence Checklist
- Screenshots taken with dates/times visible
- Usernames of people involved noted down
- URL or app name recorded
- Timeline of events written out
- Any messages or content preserved (not deleted)
- Other witnesses identified (if relevant)
Step 3: Immediate Safety Actions
Before you do anything else, take steps to stop the problem immediately. Depending on what’s happened, this might mean blocking a person, reporting content, changing privacy settings, or taking a break from a platform.
Block or Restrict the Person (If Applicable)
If your child has been contacted by a stranger, bullied by peers, or harassed in any way, the fastest action is to block that person or those accounts. Most platforms make this easy:
- On most apps, you can block by clicking the three-dot menu on a profile or message and selecting “Block.”
- Blocking prevents the person from seeing your child’s profile, sending messages, or contacting them.
- Your child may want to do this themselves (which gives them some control), or you can help them.
Report Inappropriate Content
If your child has seen content that violates platform rules (violent, sexual, hateful, or otherwise harmful), report it. This helps the platform remove it and protects other children. Every major platform has a report button; you usually find it by clicking the three-dot menu on the content.
Change Privacy Settings (If Needed)
If your child’s account was compromised, their privacy was violated, or strangers contacted them, review and tighten their privacy settings:
- Make their profile private (if it isn’t already).
- Turn off “allow strangers to message” or “allow anyone to comment.”
- Limit who can see their posts, location, or activity status.
- Check if there are any linked accounts or shared permissions and remove them if needed.
⚠️ Important: If your child has been groomed, sexually exploited, or threatened, do not ask them to delete evidence. Instead, take screenshots, contact CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection) immediately, and let the professionals handle it. Read the “When to Contact the Authorities” section below.
Step 4: Know Your Platform-Specific Tools and Options
Each major platform has built-in tools to report problems and protect children. Here’s what you need to know for the platforms your child uses most:
Roblox
If your child has been bullied, scammed, or exposed to inappropriate content on Roblox, here’s what you can do:
- Block a user: Click on their username, go to the three-dot menu, and select “Block User.”
- Report a user or content: Click the flag icon (Report Abuse) on any game, user, or message. Describe what happened clearly.
- Check transaction history: Go to Account Settings → Billing → Robux Transaction History to see if your child spent money without permission.
- Review chat logs: Go to Account Settings → Privacy to see who messaged your child and what was said.
Learn more: Read our Roblox Safety Guide for detailed steps on chat settings, friend controls, and spending limits.
Fortnite
For problems in Fortnite, especially voice chat harassment or in-game bullying:
- Block a player: Open your Friends list, find the person, click the three-dot menu, and select “Block.”
- Mute or report in-game: During a match, press Tab (PC) or LB/L1 (console), find the player, and select “Mute,” “Block,” or “Report.”
- Report to Epic Games: Go to support.epicgames.com and file a report with usernames, dates, and what happened.
- Review account security: If your account was hacked, change your password immediately and enable two-factor authentication.
Learn more: See our Fortnite Voice Chat Safety Guide for detailed setup instructions to prevent problems before they happen.
TikTok
If your child has been contacted by strangers, bullied, or exposed to harmful content on TikTok:
- Report a video or comment: Click the three-dot menu on the video or comment and select “Report.”
- Block a user: Go to their profile, click the three-dot menu, and select “Block.”
- Check your messages: Go to Inbox and review all direct messages. Delete or report anything suspicious.
- Tighten privacy: Go to Settings → Privacy and Safety → Who Can Message You, and change it to “Friends Only” or “No One.”
- Turn off Duets/Stitches: If your child has been stitched into embarrassing or bullying content, go to Settings and disable who can duet or stitch their videos.
Learn more: See our Complete TikTok Guide for Parents for detailed safety settings and family pairing options.
YouTube
For inappropriate comments, contact requests, or harmful content:
- Delete or hide comments: Click the three-dot menu on any comment under your child’s video and select “Delete” or “Hide.”
- Block a user: Click on their username, go to the three-dot menu, and select “Block User.”
- Report a video or comment: Click the flag icon and choose the reason (Harassment, Sexual Content, Violence, etc.).
- Disable comments: If bullying is severe, you can turn off comments entirely on your child’s videos in Video Details → Advanced Settings.
- Switch to YouTube Kids: If your child is under 13, consider YouTube Kids instead, which has far fewer inappropriate videos and no comments section.
Learn more: Read our YouTube Kids vs YouTube Comparison to see if YouTube Kids is better for your child’s age.
Instagram & Facebook
For contact from strangers, inappropriate messages, or bullying:
- Block a user: Go to their profile, click the three-dot menu, and select “Block.”
- Report a message or comment: Long-press the message or comment and select “Report.”
- Restrict rather than block: You can “Restrict” someone, which hides their comments from your profile and their messages go to a separate folder. This works well for bullies you don’t want to fully block.
- Use Messenger Kids: If your child is under 13, Messenger Kids is a safer option with parental controls and no contact from strangers.
- Check message requests: Go to Messenger → Message Requests to see if strangers have contacted your child.
Discord
For server bullying, DM harassment, or exposure to adult content:
- Leave a server: If a server is unsafe, your child can leave immediately by clicking the server name and selecting “Leave Server.”
- Block a user: Right-click on their username and select “Block.”
- Report a user or message: Right-click on their username or message and select “Report to Discord.” Include what happened and screenshots.
- Limit who can DM you: Go to User Settings → Privacy & Safety and change “Direct Messages” to “Friends Only.”
Visit our guides on Roblox Safety, Fortnite Safety, TikTok Parents Guide, YouTube Kids, and Telegram Safety for deeper dives into settings and protections.
Step 5: Know When and How to Report to Authorities
Not every online problem needs to be reported to police or child protection services. But some situations absolutely do. Here’s how to know the difference and what to do.
Report Immediately to Authorities If:
- Your child has been sexually exploited, groomed, or threatened with sexual content.
- Your child has been threatened with violence or serious harm.
- Your child’s account was hacked or personal information (address, school name, phone) was shared publicly.
- Your child is in contact with an adult who is asking them to meet in person or exchange intimate images.
- Your child has sent intimate images and they are being shared, sold, or used for blackmail (sextortion).
- There is evidence of child abuse, trafficking, or exploitation happening online.
UK Reporting Routes
1. CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection)
When to use it: Sexual exploitation, grooming, abuse, sextortion, or abuse material.
How: Go to ceop.police.uk/safety-centre and click “Report.” You can also report through the CEOP safety report button on major sites and apps.
What happens: CEOP is part of the UK National Crime Agency. They take all reports seriously, investigate, and work with police. You do not need to give your name.
Why they’re important: CEOP has specially trained officers and works internationally. If your child has been contacted by someone grooming them across borders, CEOP can help.
2. NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children)
When to use it: Any form of child abuse, including online abuse, bullying, or exploitation.
How: Call their helpline at 0808 800 5000 (free and confidential) or email [email protected]. You can also report online at nspcc.org.uk/report.
What they do: The NSPCC is the UK’s leading children’s charity. They offer advice, can contact services on your behalf, and can escalate to local authorities if needed.
Why they’re helpful: They understand child safeguarding deeply and can advise you on next steps. They’re not police, so they’re sometimes less intimidating for families who are unsure if they need formal intervention.
3. Police (Local Force or 101)
When to use it: Crime or serious harm that isn’t specific to child exploitation (e.g., harassment, threats, blackmail, hacking).
How: Call 101 (non-emergency) or 999 (if there’s immediate danger). You can also visit your local police station and make a report in person.
What they can do: Police can investigate harassment, threats, hacking, and scams. They may be able to trace the person and take action. You can also get a crime reference number for insurance or other purposes.
Be prepared to provide: Usernames, screenshots, dates, times, and a clear description of what happened.
4. Your Child’s School
When to report: Cyberbullying involving other pupils from the same school, or any online harm that affects your child’s wellbeing or education.
How: Contact your child’s form tutor, year head, or safeguarding lead (they usually have a dedicated email or phone line).
Why: Schools have a legal duty to address bullying, and they can intervene with other pupils, their parents, and can escalate to police if needed. They also have trained safeguarding staff.
5. The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF)
When to use it: Child sexual abuse material (CSAM) or obscene content.
How: Go to iwf.org.uk and use their report button.
What they do: The IWF works to remove illegal imagery from the internet. They can take action quickly and pass reports to law enforcement.
Quick Reference: UK Reporting Resources
ceop.police.uk | Report sexual exploitation and grooming
0808 800 5000 (free, confidential) | Advice on any form of abuse
101 | Crime, harassment, threats, hacking
0800 1111 | Free support for children themselves
iwf.org.uk | Report illegal imagery
Step 6: Support Your Child’s Emotional Recovery
Once the immediate crisis is handled and reporting is done (if needed), your focus shifts to helping your child feel safe, supported, and resilient again. Online harm can cause real trauma—shame, anxiety, fear, or loss of trust.
Listen Without Judgment
Your child may feel embarrassed, stupid, or ashamed about what happened. Let them know this is not their fault, even if they made a small mistake (like talking to a stranger or clicking a link). Online predators are professional manipulators, and even adults fall for their tricks. Normalize the experience: “This happens to lots of kids. It’s not your fault.”
Validate Their Feelings
Whatever they’re feeling—angry, sad, anxious, scared—is valid. Don’t minimize it (“It’s not that bad”) or rush them past it (“You’ll feel better soon”). Just say: “I understand you’re upset. That makes sense. I’m here for you.”
Consider Professional Support
If your child seems very distressed, anxious, withdrawn, or is having nightmares or panic attacks, consider talking to their GP about counselling or therapy. Services like Childline (0800 1111) offer free support, or you can ask about referrals to CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) through the NHS.
Create a Safety Plan Together
Once your child has recovered a bit, work together to prevent similar problems in the future. This might include:
- Reviewing privacy and safety settings together.
- Agreeing on who they can and can’t talk to online.
- Setting up a “safe word” or sign they can use if they’re uncomfortable and need to tell you.
- Reviewing which apps or games they use and why.
- Agreeing on screen time limits or app restrictions if needed.
Rebuild Trust and Open Communication
Some parents are tempted to ban their child from all devices after an online incident. This often backfires: children hide devices, sneak around, or stop talking to you when problems arise. Instead:
- Make it clear you will always support them, not punish them, if something goes wrong.
- Have regular, casual conversations about their online life (not interrogations).
- Encourage them to come to you with problems, no matter how small.
- Thank them for telling you, even if it took them a while or you had to find out.
Step 7: Long-Term Prevention and Resilience
After you’ve dealt with the immediate problem, take time to help your child build resilience and stay safe online going forward.
Teach Digital Literacy
Help your child understand how online spaces work, what predators look for, and how to spot scams or manipulation:
- Stranger danger: Explain that people online are not always who they say they are. Adults can pretend to be kids, and strangers can be very convincing and kind at first.
- Private information: Go over what should never be shared online: full name, school name, home address, phone number, photos of their face or body, or anything that could identify them.
- Scams and manipulation: Teach them about fake competition winnings, requests for “help” transferring money, or romance scams where someone builds a relationship to ask for personal information or photos.
- Pressure and FOMO: Help them see when they’re being pressured (“Send me a photo or I’ll tell everyone you like me”) or manipulated through peer pressure or fear of missing out.
Set Boundaries Together
Rather than rules imposed from above, create a shared understanding of safe practices:
- Decide together which apps are appropriate for their age.
- Agree on privacy settings that make sense (e.g., private profile, no sharing location).
- Set screen time limits that feel fair to your child.
- Establish a rule that devices come out of bedrooms at night.
Learn more: Read our guide on Family Rules for Online Chat (works for any game) and Parents Online Safety Checklist.
Stay Informed
Keep learning about the apps and platforms your child uses. Follow Understand Tech for regular updates on new apps, safety features, and emerging risks. The landscape changes fast, and staying informed helps you give better guidance and catch problems early.
Model Good Digital Behavior
Children learn by watching. If you share oversharing on social media, are glued to your phone, or speak negatively about people online, they’ll notice. Model the behavior you want to see: thoughtful sharing, boundaries, and kindness.
Common Scenarios: Quick Response Guide
Here are some of the most common online problems parents face, and how to respond to each one:
Scenario 1: Your Child Was Contacted by a Stranger Online
- Immediate: Block the stranger. Report their account.
- Assess: Did they share any personal information (name, school, address, photos)? Did they agree to meet in person or share photos?
- If information was shared: Contact CEOP (ceop.police.uk) immediately. Save all messages as evidence.
- If no information was shared: Reassure your child, review their privacy settings, and talk about why they shouldn’t talk to strangers online.
- Moving forward: Set their profile to private, disable “allow strangers to message,” and agree on a rule: “Never respond to people you don’t know.”
Scenario 2: Your Child Saw Inappropriate Content
- Immediate: Report the content to the platform. It may have violated their rules.
- Ask gently: How did they see it? Did they search for it, or did it appear in their feed?
- Reassure them: Many kids accidentally encounter upsetting content. It doesn’t mean they did anything wrong.
- Check settings: Look at their feed recommendations and privacy settings. Adjust them if needed (e.g., “Restrict” some accounts or follow different content creators).
- Moving forward: Talk about what to do if they see something upsetting: close it, tell you, and don’t click on similar content in the future.
Scenario 3: Your Child Is Being Bullied Online
- Immediate: Block and report the bullies. Save evidence (screenshots).
- Provide support: Let them know it’s not their fault. Bullies are often insecure themselves.
- Check school involvement: If the bullies go to the same school, report it to the school’s safeguarding team. Schools have a legal duty to address bullying.
- Consider reporting to police: If the bullying is severe, involves threats, or is ongoing despite blocking, contact police (101).
- Moving forward: Consider whether your child should take a break from that platform or app. Sometimes muting notifications or limiting who can comment helps. Use the “Restrict” feature on Instagram/Facebook rather than blocking (less obvious to bullies).
Scenario 4: Your Child Spent Money Without Permission
- Check the transaction: Look at the platform’s billing section to see exactly what was purchased and when.
- Try a refund: Contact the platform’s support (Apple, Google Play, Steam, Roblox, etc.) and explain that a child made an unauthorized purchase. Many will refund if it’s done quickly (within a few hours or days).
- Prevent it in the future: Turn on parental controls to require a password or fingerprint for any purchase. Unlink your payment method from the device, or use gift cards with limited amounts instead.
- Talk to your child: Without blame, explore: Did they understand they were spending real money? Do they understand the connection between real money and in-game currency? Adjust their understanding as needed.
- Set boundaries: Agree together on whether they should ever make in-game purchases, and if so, set a monthly limit they can spend.
Scenario 5: Your Child’s Account Was Hacked
- Act immediately: Change the password from a secure device (not the hacked one). Use a strong, unique password (not something a hacker would guess).
- Check account activity: Look at login history and recent actions. Did the hacker post anything, message people, or make purchases?
- Secure the email: If the email linked to the account was also hacked, change that password too and enable two-factor authentication.
- Check other accounts: If your child used the same password on other apps or sites, change those too.
- Notify the platform: Report the hack to the platform’s support team. They may be able to reverse any unauthorized activity.
- Contact CEOP: If the hacker posted explicit content or personal information, report to ceop.police.uk and the platform.
FAQ: Questions Parents Ask
Should I report my child to the police if they’ve done something wrong?
Almost never. If your child has been a victim (harassed, groomed, scammed, bullied), they are not in trouble—the person who harmed them is. Report to authorities to protect your child and stop the perpetrator, not to get your child in trouble. If your child has broken a platform rule (e.g., lied about their age, shared an inappropriate photo), the worst that usually happens is the platform deletes the account. Focus on support, not punishment.
Is my child too old to talk to about online safety?
No. Teenagers are just as vulnerable as younger children, just in different ways. Teens are more likely to encounter sexual content, be groomed by people posing as peers, engage in risky challenges, or be scammed. They’re also less likely to tell you because they feel embarrassed or think you’ll overreact. Keep conversations open and non-judgmental.
What if I don’t know what app or platform my child is using?
Ask them. Be curious, not accusatory: “Hey, I see you use [app]. Can you show me how it works? What do you like about it?” Many parents find their child is happy to explain if they sense genuine interest and not judgment. You could also ask friends with older kids what the latest apps are, or search “trending apps for teens 2025.”
Should I monitor my child’s every message and post?
No, but you should have visibility. Constant surveillance damages trust and makes children less likely to come to you with problems. Instead, aim for a middle ground: know what apps they use, occasionally scroll through with them (not secretly checking), keep lines of communication open, and make it clear you’re there to help if something goes wrong. As they get older, give them more privacy while maintaining general awareness.
What if my child won’t tell me what’s wrong?
Stay patient. Some children take time to open up, especially if they’re embarrassed or afraid of being blamed. You might try: “I’ve noticed you seem upset. I want to help, but I can’t unless you tell me what’s going on. I’m not angry, and whatever happened is not your fault.” If they still won’t talk, you might suggest they talk to a trusted adult (school counselor, relative, Childline) instead.
Conclusion: You’re Not Alone
Online safety is not about preventing all risks—that’s impossible in a connected world. It’s about preparing your child to navigate risks wisely, respond when something goes wrong, and knowing they can turn to you for help without shame or punishment. If your child has encountered a problem online, you’ve already taken the most important step by paying attention and taking action. Stay calm, listen, and follow the steps in this guide. And remember: millions of parents and children face these issues every day. You’re doing the right thing.
Continue Learning
For more on specific apps, risks, and age-appropriate tech, explore our other guides:
A comprehensive guide to choosing the right device, setting it up safely, and establishing rules that work.
Practical conversation starters and ways to teach your child about online safety without scaring them.
A curated guide to age-appropriate devices and apps that balance fun and safety.
Deep dive into TikTok’s algorithm, privacy settings, family pairing, and how to keep your teen safe.
Everything you need to know about Roblox safety features, spending limits, and moderation.
Practical guidelines for teaching your child safe communication in multiplayer games and apps.
What to Do If Something Goes Wrong Online: Step-by-Step Guide for UK Parents
A calm, practical approach to responding when your child encounters a problem online
The reality: In today’s digital world, most children will encounter something upsetting, confusing, or concerning online at some point. A child might see something inappropriate, be contacted by a stranger, spend money accidentally in a game, have their privacy violated, or fall victim to cyberbullying. The good news? There are clear, practical steps you can take right now to help your child, support them emotionally, and prevent similar issues in the future.
This guide covers: How to stay calm and respond effectively, what evidence to gather, how to use platform tools to report and block, UK-specific reporting routes, and how to rebuild trust and safety with your child afterwards.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Listen
The moment you discover something has gone wrong online can feel overwhelming. Your instinct might be anger, panic, or blame—especially if your child has been hurt or taken advantage of. But your first and most important job is to stay calm, so your child feels safe enough to open up.
Why This Matters
If you react with anger or blame, your child is far less likely to come to you in the future when they need help. They may hide problems, delete evidence, or suffer in silence. Research shows that children who feel supported by their parents are more resilient and recover better from online harm.
What to Do Right Now
- Take a moment: If you’re very upset, take 5 minutes to breathe and collect yourself before speaking to your child. Go for a quick walk, have a glass of water, or count to ten.
- Ask open questions: Instead of “Why did you..?” or “How could you..?”, try: “Can you tell me what happened?” or “Help me understand what’s going on.”
- Listen more than you speak: Let your child explain fully without interrupting. They may be confused, scared, or ashamed, and your calm attention helps them feel less alone.
- Reassure them: Make it clear that you are not angry with them, and that you’re there to help. Say things like: “I’m glad you told me. We’ll work through this together” or “This isn’t your fault.”
- Avoid blame: Resist the urge to say “I told you so” or “You shouldn’t have…” Save that conversation for later, once the immediate crisis is handled.
Step 2: Gather the Facts and Evidence
Once you’ve listened and reassured your child, your next job is to gather information about what happened. This information serves two purposes: it helps you decide what action to take, and it creates a record you can use if you need to report to a platform or authority.
Key Questions to Ask
- What platform or app? TikTok, Roblox, YouTube, Fortnite, Discord, Snapchat, Instagram, or something else?
- What exactly happened? Was it inappropriate content, contact from a stranger, bullying from peers, loss of money, privacy violation, or something else?
- Who was involved? A stranger, someone they know from school, a group, or unknown accounts?
- When did it happen? Today, yesterday, ongoing? Is it still happening?
- Does your child still have access to the platform or the person/content? This matters for gathering evidence and blocking.
How to Capture Evidence
Do this carefully and thoughtfully, with your child’s knowledge and consent:
- Take screenshots: Screenshot messages, comments, posts, or content before it’s deleted. Make sure the date and time are visible.
- Record the username: Note the username or account name of anyone involved.
- Write down URLs: If it’s a web page, note the full address. If it’s a post or profile, try to capture the link.
- Keep the original files: Don’t edit or crop screenshots unless you need to for privacy (e.g., redacting other children’s names).
- Note the context: Write down what happened, when, and any other relevant details while they’re fresh.
- Do NOT engage further: Do not message the person, respond to comments, or report yet. Just gather evidence first.
Evidence Checklist
- Screenshots taken with dates/times visible
- Usernames of people involved noted down
- URL or app name recorded
- Timeline of events written out
- Any messages or content preserved (not deleted)
- Other witnesses identified (if relevant)
Step 3: Immediate Safety Actions
Before you do anything else, take steps to stop the problem immediately. Depending on what’s happened, this might mean blocking a person, reporting content, changing privacy settings, or taking a break from a platform.
Block or Restrict the Person (If Applicable)
If your child has been contacted by a stranger, bullied by peers, or harassed in any way, the fastest action is to block that person or those accounts. Most platforms make this easy:
- On most apps, you can block by clicking the three-dot menu on a profile or message and selecting “Block.”
- Blocking prevents the person from seeing your child’s profile, sending messages, or contacting them.
- Your child may want to do this themselves (which gives them some control), or you can help them.
Report Inappropriate Content
If your child has seen content that violates platform rules (violent, sexual, hateful, or otherwise harmful), report it. This helps the platform remove it and protects other children. Every major platform has a report button; you usually find it by clicking the three-dot menu on the content.
Change Privacy Settings (If Needed)
If your child’s account was compromised, their privacy was violated, or strangers contacted them, review and tighten their privacy settings:
- Make their profile private (if it isn’t already).
- Turn off “allow strangers to message” or “allow anyone to comment.”
- Limit who can see their posts, location, or activity status.
- Check if there are any linked accounts or shared permissions and remove them if needed.
⚠️ Important: If your child has been groomed, sexually exploited, or threatened, do not ask them to delete evidence. Instead, take screenshots, contact CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection) immediately, and let the professionals handle it. Read the “When to Contact the Authorities” section below.
Step 4: Know Your Platform-Specific Tools and Options
Each major platform has built-in tools to report problems and protect children. Here’s what you need to know for the platforms your child uses most:
Roblox
If your child has been bullied, scammed, or exposed to inappropriate content on Roblox, here’s what you can do:
- Block a user: Click on their username, go to the three-dot menu, and select “Block User.”
- Report a user or content: Click the flag icon (Report Abuse) on any game, user, or message. Describe what happened clearly.
- Check transaction history: Go to Account Settings → Billing → Robux Transaction History to see if your child spent money without permission.
- Review chat logs: Go to Account Settings → Privacy to see who messaged your child and what was said.
Learn more: Read our Roblox Safety Guide for detailed steps on chat settings, friend controls, and spending limits.
Fortnite
For problems in Fortnite, especially voice chat harassment or in-game bullying:
- Block a player: Open your Friends list, find the person, click the three-dot menu, and select “Block.”
- Mute or report in-game: During a match, press Tab (PC) or LB/L1 (console), find the player, and select “Mute,” “Block,” or “Report.”
- Report to Epic Games: Go to support.epicgames.com and file a report with usernames, dates, and what happened.
- Review account security: If your account was hacked, change your password immediately and enable two-factor authentication.
Learn more: See our Fortnite Voice Chat Safety Guide for detailed setup instructions to prevent problems before they happen.
TikTok
If your child has been contacted by strangers, bullied, or exposed to harmful content on TikTok:
- Report a video or comment: Click the three-dot menu on the video or comment and select “Report.”
- Block a user: Go to their profile, click the three-dot menu, and select “Block.”
- Check your messages: Go to Inbox and review all direct messages. Delete or report anything suspicious.
- Tighten privacy: Go to Settings → Privacy and Safety → Who Can Message You, and change it to “Friends Only” or “No One.”
- Turn off Duets/Stitches: If your child has been stitched into embarrassing or bullying content, go to Settings and disable who can duet or stitch their videos.
Learn more: See our Complete TikTok Guide for Parents for detailed safety settings and family pairing options.
YouTube
For inappropriate comments, contact requests, or harmful content:
- Delete or hide comments: Click the three-dot menu on any comment under your child’s video and select “Delete” or “Hide.”
- Block a user: Click on their username, go to the three-dot menu, and select “Block User.”
- Report a video or comment: Click the flag icon and choose the reason (Harassment, Sexual Content, Violence, etc.).
- Disable comments: If bullying is severe, you can turn off comments entirely on your child’s videos in Video Details → Advanced Settings.
- Switch to YouTube Kids: If your child is under 13, consider YouTube Kids instead, which has far fewer inappropriate videos and no comments section.
Learn more: Read our YouTube Kids vs YouTube Comparison to see if YouTube Kids is better for your child’s age.
Instagram & Facebook
For contact from strangers, inappropriate messages, or bullying:
- Block a user: Go to their profile, click the three-dot menu, and select “Block.”
- Report a message or comment: Long-press the message or comment and select “Report.”
- Restrict rather than block: You can “Restrict” someone, which hides their comments from your profile and their messages go to a separate folder. This works well for bullies you don’t want to fully block.
- Use Messenger Kids: If your child is under 13, Messenger Kids is a safer option with parental controls and no contact from strangers.
- Check message requests: Go to Messenger → Message Requests to see if strangers have contacted your child.
Discord
For server bullying, DM harassment, or exposure to adult content:
- Leave a server: If a server is unsafe, your child can leave immediately by clicking the server name and selecting “Leave Server.”
- Block a user: Right-click on their username and select “Block.”
- Report a user or message: Right-click on their username or message and select “Report to Discord.” Include what happened and screenshots.
- Limit who can DM you: Go to User Settings → Privacy & Safety and change “Direct Messages” to “Friends Only.”
Visit our guides on Roblox Safety, Fortnite Safety, TikTok Parents Guide, YouTube Kids, and Telegram Safety for deeper dives into settings and protections.
Step 5: Know When and How to Report to Authorities
Not every online problem needs to be reported to police or child protection services. But some situations absolutely do. Here’s how to know the difference and what to do.
Report Immediately to Authorities If:
- Your child has been sexually exploited, groomed, or threatened with sexual content.
- Your child has been threatened with violence or serious harm.
- Your child’s account was hacked or personal information (address, school name, phone) was shared publicly.
- Your child is in contact with an adult who is asking them to meet in person or exchange intimate images.
- Your child has sent intimate images and they are being shared, sold, or used for blackmail (sextortion).
- There is evidence of child abuse, trafficking, or exploitation happening online.
UK Reporting Routes
1. CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection)
When to use it: Sexual exploitation, grooming, abuse, sextortion, or abuse material.
How: Go to ceop.police.uk/safety-centre and click “Report.” You can also report through the CEOP safety report button on major sites and apps.
What happens: CEOP is part of the UK National Crime Agency. They take all reports seriously, investigate, and work with police. You do not need to give your name.
Why they’re important: CEOP has specially trained officers and works internationally. If your child has been contacted by someone grooming them across borders, CEOP can help.
2. NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children)
When to use it: Any form of child abuse, including online abuse, bullying, or exploitation.
How: Call their helpline at 0808 800 5000 (free and confidential) or email [email protected]. You can also report online at nspcc.org.uk/report.
What they do: The NSPCC is the UK’s leading children’s charity. They offer advice, can contact services on your behalf, and can escalate to local authorities if needed.
Why they’re helpful: They understand child safeguarding deeply and can advise you on next steps. They’re not police, so they’re sometimes less intimidating for families who are unsure if they need formal intervention.
3. Police (Local Force or 101)
When to use it: Crime or serious harm that isn’t specific to child exploitation (e.g., harassment, threats, blackmail, hacking).
How: Call 101 (non-emergency) or 999 (if there’s immediate danger). You can also visit your local police station and make a report in person.
What they can do: Police can investigate harassment, threats, hacking, and scams. They may be able to trace the person and take action. You can also get a crime reference number for insurance or other purposes.
Be prepared to provide: Usernames, screenshots, dates, times, and a clear description of what happened.
4. Your Child’s School
When to report: Cyberbullying involving other pupils from the same school, or any online harm that affects your child’s wellbeing or education.
How: Contact your child’s form tutor, year head, or safeguarding lead (they usually have a dedicated email or phone line).
Why: Schools have a legal duty to address bullying, and they can intervene with other pupils, their parents, and can escalate to police if needed. They also have trained safeguarding staff.
5. The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF)
When to use it: Child sexual abuse material (CSAM) or obscene content.
How: Go to iwf.org.uk and use their report button.
What they do: The IWF works to remove illegal imagery from the internet. They can take action quickly and pass reports to law enforcement.
Quick Reference: UK Reporting Resources
ceop.police.uk | Report sexual exploitation and grooming
0808 800 5000 (free, confidential) | Advice on any form of abuse
101 | Crime, harassment, threats, hacking
0800 1111 | Free support for children themselves
iwf.org.uk | Report illegal imagery
Step 6: Support Your Child’s Emotional Recovery
Once the immediate crisis is handled and reporting is done (if needed), your focus shifts to helping your child feel safe, supported, and resilient again. Online harm can cause real trauma—shame, anxiety, fear, or loss of trust.
Listen Without Judgment
Your child may feel embarrassed, stupid, or ashamed about what happened. Let them know this is not their fault, even if they made a small mistake (like talking to a stranger or clicking a link). Online predators are professional manipulators, and even adults fall for their tricks. Normalize the experience: “This happens to lots of kids. It’s not your fault.”
Validate Their Feelings
Whatever they’re feeling—angry, sad, anxious, scared—is valid. Don’t minimize it (“It’s not that bad”) or rush them past it (“You’ll feel better soon”). Just say: “I understand you’re upset. That makes sense. I’m here for you.”
Consider Professional Support
If your child seems very distressed, anxious, withdrawn, or is having nightmares or panic attacks, consider talking to their GP about counselling or therapy. Services like Childline (0800 1111) offer free support, or you can ask about referrals to CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) through the NHS.
Create a Safety Plan Together
Once your child has recovered a bit, work together to prevent similar problems in the future. This might include:
- Reviewing privacy and safety settings together.
- Agreeing on who they can and can’t talk to online.
- Setting up a “safe word” or sign they can use if they’re uncomfortable and need to tell you.
- Reviewing which apps or games they use and why.
- Agreeing on screen time limits or app restrictions if needed.
Rebuild Trust and Open Communication
Some parents are tempted to ban their child from all devices after an online incident. This often backfires: children hide devices, sneak around, or stop talking to you when problems arise. Instead:
- Make it clear you will always support them, not punish them, if something goes wrong.
- Have regular, casual conversations about their online life (not interrogations).
- Encourage them to come to you with problems, no matter how small.
- Thank them for telling you, even if it took them a while or you had to find out.
Step 7: Long-Term Prevention and Resilience
After you’ve dealt with the immediate problem, take time to help your child build resilience and stay safe online going forward.
Teach Digital Literacy
Help your child understand how online spaces work, what predators look for, and how to spot scams or manipulation:
- Stranger danger: Explain that people online are not always who they say they are. Adults can pretend to be kids, and strangers can be very convincing and kind at first.
- Private information: Go over what should never be shared online: full name, school name, home address, phone number, photos of their face or body, or anything that could identify them.
- Scams and manipulation: Teach them about fake competition winnings, requests for “help” transferring money, or romance scams where someone builds a relationship to ask for personal information or photos.
- Pressure and FOMO: Help them see when they’re being pressured (“Send me a photo or I’ll tell everyone you like me”) or manipulated through peer pressure or fear of missing out.
Set Boundaries Together
Rather than rules imposed from above, create a shared understanding of safe practices:
- Decide together which apps are appropriate for their age.
- Agree on privacy settings that make sense (e.g., private profile, no sharing location).
- Set screen time limits that feel fair to your child.
- Establish a rule that devices come out of bedrooms at night.
Learn more: Read our guide on Family Rules for Online Chat (works for any game) and Parents Online Safety Checklist.
Stay Informed
Keep learning about the apps and platforms your child uses. Follow Understand Tech for regular updates on new apps, safety features, and emerging risks. The landscape changes fast, and staying informed helps you give better guidance and catch problems early.
Model Good Digital Behavior
Children learn by watching. If you share oversharing on social media, are glued to your phone, or speak negatively about people online, they’ll notice. Model the behavior you want to see: thoughtful sharing, boundaries, and kindness.
Common Scenarios: Quick Response Guide
Here are some of the most common online problems parents face, and how to respond to each one:
Scenario 1: Your Child Was Contacted by a Stranger Online
- Immediate: Block the stranger. Report their account.
- Assess: Did they share any personal information (name, school, address, photos)? Did they agree to meet in person or share photos?
- If information was shared: Contact CEOP (ceop.police.uk) immediately. Save all messages as evidence.
- If no information was shared: Reassure your child, review their privacy settings, and talk about why they shouldn’t talk to strangers online.
- Moving forward: Set their profile to private, disable “allow strangers to message,” and agree on a rule: “Never respond to people you don’t know.”
Scenario 2: Your Child Saw Inappropriate Content
- Immediate: Report the content to the platform. It may have violated their rules.
- Ask gently: How did they see it? Did they search for it, or did it appear in their feed?
- Reassure them: Many kids accidentally encounter upsetting content. It doesn’t mean they did anything wrong.
- Check settings: Look at their feed recommendations and privacy settings. Adjust them if needed (e.g., “Restrict” some accounts or follow different content creators).
- Moving forward: Talk about what to do if they see something upsetting: close it, tell you, and don’t click on similar content in the future.
Scenario 3: Your Child Is Being Bullied Online
- Immediate: Block and report the bullies. Save evidence (screenshots).
- Provide support: Let them know it’s not their fault. Bullies are often insecure themselves.
- Check school involvement: If the bullies go to the same school, report it to the school’s safeguarding team. Schools have a legal duty to address bullying.
- Consider reporting to police: If the bullying is severe, involves threats, or is ongoing despite blocking, contact police (101).
- Moving forward: Consider whether your child should take a break from that platform or app. Sometimes muting notifications or limiting who can comment helps. Use the “Restrict” feature on Instagram/Facebook rather than blocking (less obvious to bullies).
Scenario 4: Your Child Spent Money Without Permission
- Check the transaction: Look at the platform’s billing section to see exactly what was purchased and when.
- Try a refund: Contact the platform’s support (Apple, Google Play, Steam, Roblox, etc.) and explain that a child made an unauthorized purchase. Many will refund if it’s done quickly (within a few hours or days).
- Prevent it in the future: Turn on parental controls to require a password or fingerprint for any purchase. Unlink your payment method from the device, or use gift cards with limited amounts instead.
- Talk to your child: Without blame, explore: Did they understand they were spending real money? Do they understand the connection between real money and in-game currency? Adjust their understanding as needed.
- Set boundaries: Agree together on whether they should ever make in-game purchases, and if so, set a monthly limit they can spend.
Scenario 5: Your Child’s Account Was Hacked
- Act immediately: Change the password from a secure device (not the hacked one). Use a strong, unique password (not something a hacker would guess).
- Check account activity: Look at login history and recent actions. Did the hacker post anything, message people, or make purchases?
- Secure the email: If the email linked to the account was also hacked, change that password too and enable two-factor authentication.
- Check other accounts: If your child used the same password on other apps or sites, change those too.
- Notify the platform: Report the hack to the platform’s support team. They may be able to reverse any unauthorized activity.
- Contact CEOP: If the hacker posted explicit content or personal information, report to ceop.police.uk and the platform.
FAQ: Questions Parents Ask
Should I report my child to the police if they’ve done something wrong?
Almost never. If your child has been a victim (harassed, groomed, scammed, bullied), they are not in trouble—the person who harmed them is. Report to authorities to protect your child and stop the perpetrator, not to get your child in trouble. If your child has broken a platform rule (e.g., lied about their age, shared an inappropriate photo), the worst that usually happens is the platform deletes the account. Focus on support, not punishment.
Is my child too old to talk to about online safety?
No. Teenagers are just as vulnerable as younger children, just in different ways. Teens are more likely to encounter sexual content, be groomed by people posing as peers, engage in risky challenges, or be scammed. They’re also less likely to tell you because they feel embarrassed or think you’ll overreact. Keep conversations open and non-judgmental.
What if I don’t know what app or platform my child is using?
Ask them. Be curious, not accusatory: “Hey, I see you use [app]. Can you show me how it works? What do you like about it?” Many parents find their child is happy to explain if they sense genuine interest and not judgment. You could also ask friends with older kids what the latest apps are, or search “trending apps for teens 2025.”
Should I monitor my child’s every message and post?
No, but you should have visibility. Constant surveillance damages trust and makes children less likely to come to you with problems. Instead, aim for a middle ground: know what apps they use, occasionally scroll through with them (not secretly checking), keep lines of communication open, and make it clear you’re there to help if something goes wrong. As they get older, give them more privacy while maintaining general awareness.
What if my child won’t tell me what’s wrong?
Stay patient. Some children take time to open up, especially if they’re embarrassed or afraid of being blamed. You might try: “I’ve noticed you seem upset. I want to help, but I can’t unless you tell me what’s going on. I’m not angry, and whatever happened is not your fault.” If they still won’t talk, you might suggest they talk to a trusted adult (school counselor, relative, Childline) instead.
Conclusion: You’re Not Alone
Online safety is not about preventing all risks—that’s impossible in a connected world. It’s about preparing your child to navigate risks wisely, respond when something goes wrong, and knowing they can turn to you for help without shame or punishment. If your child has encountered a problem online, you’ve already taken the most important step by paying attention and taking action. Stay calm, listen, and follow the steps in this guide. And remember: millions of parents and children face these issues every day. You’re doing the right thing.
Continue Learning
For more on specific apps, risks, and age-appropriate tech, explore our other guides:
A comprehensive guide to choosing the right device, setting it up safely, and establishing rules that work.
Practical conversation starters and ways to teach your child about online safety without scaring them.
A curated guide to age-appropriate devices and apps that balance fun and safety.
Deep dive into TikTok’s algorithm, privacy settings, family pairing, and how to keep your teen safe.
Everything you need to know about Roblox safety features, spending limits, and moderation.
Practical guidelines for teaching your child safe communication in multiplayer games and apps.