POSH
Report & Get Help — UK
Act early. Stay calm. Report properly.
Protect the child first, then follow the right reporting path.
Immediate danger
Call 999 immediately
If a child is at immediate risk or danger, emergency services always come first.
Child Safety First:
Protect the child → stop contact → save evidence → report.
Main UK reporting pathways
Use the pathway that matches the situation:
- CEOP: grooming, sexual communication, or attempts to meet a child
- IWF: child sexual abuse images or videos online
- Childline / Report Remove: help for under-18s removing shared images
If grooming or sexual risk is involved, CEOP is a key reporting path.
What to do immediately
- Keep the child safe
- Stop further contact if safe
- Tell them they are not in trouble
- Take screenshots
- Save usernames, links, and timestamps
- Write down what happened
- Do not delete anything before saving evidence
You do not need certainty before reporting — concern is enough.
When to use CEOP
- Sexual messages or conversations with a child
- Online grooming or manipulation
- Someone trying to meet a child
- Sexual pressure, threats, or coercion
When to use IWF
- Images or videos of child sexual abuse online
- Links, websites, or content showing illegal material
If you see harmful content online, report it — even if you’re unsure.
When to involve police
- There are threats or blackmail
- The child may be contacted in real life
- You know the person involved
- The situation feels urgent or escalating
If risk is immediate or serious, contact police alongside other reports.
UK reporting flow
Protect the child
↓
Save evidence
↓
Report (CEOP / police / IWF)
↓
Report inside platform
↓
Support the child
Help another parent act faster
Many parents hesitate because they don’t know the right step.
Clear guidance can reduce panic and protect a child sooner.
Knowing what to do early can change the outcome