A UK parent's walkthrough for reporting posts, Reels, comments, accounts and DMs on Instagram, with CEOP, IWF, NSPCC and police escalation routes.
Instagram lets you report posts, Reels, comments, Stories, Lives, DMs and whole accounts. Reports go to Meta's review team and serious safeguarding concerns can also be escalated to UK authorities such as CEOP and the police.
If a child is in immediate danger, call 999 first. Otherwise, save evidence, then use the steps below.
Screenshot the post or message, copy the post URL or profile URL from the three-dots menu, and write down the username and the date/time in UK time.
Tap the three dots above the post → Report → choose the closest reason (Nudity or sexual activity, Suicide or self-harm, Bullying, etc.).
Swipe left on the comment (iOS) or long-press (Android) → tap the warning icon → Report.
Open the profile → three dots top-right → Report → Report account → choose category. Use "They may be under 13" if the child being targeted is underage.
On a Story: three dots → Report. On a Live: three dots → Report. In a DM: tap the username at the top → Report. Capture the time before reporting.
Grooming or sexual contact with a child: CEOP (ceop.police.uk). Nude or sexual images of a child: IWF (iwf.org.uk). Sextortion: Action Fraud 0300 123 2040 and IWF. Threats or imminent harm: 999. Non-emergency police: 101.
Notify the school's Designated Safeguarding Lead. NSPCC 0808 800 5000 supports parents; Childline 0800 1111 supports the child confidentially.
Check the Support Requests inbox (Settings → Help → Support Requests). If Instagram took no action on serious abuse, share your evidence with the police via 101.
Save evidence BEFORE blocking the account: once blocked you may lose access to the messages.
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.