How to report abuse, grooming or harmful content on Instagram
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.
How to report inside the app
Save evidence
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.
Report a post or Reel
Tap the three dots above the post → Report → choose the closest reason (Nudity or sexual activity, Suicide or self-harm, Bullying, etc.).
Report a comment
Swipe left on the comment (iOS) or long-press (Android) → tap the warning icon → Report.
Report an account
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.
Report a Story, Live or DM
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.
Escalate outside Instagram
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.
Tell trusted adults
Notify the school's Designated Safeguarding Lead. NSPCC 0808 800 5000 supports parents; Childline 0800 1111 supports the child confidentially.
Follow up after seven days
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.
Evidence to save
- Screenshots of the message, post or profile, showing the username clearly.
- The exact URL or profile link, copied from the app's share menu.
- The full username and display name of the person involved.
- Date and time of each incident, recorded in UK time.
- A short timeline note of what happened, written while it is fresh.
- Save evidence BEFORE you block or delete: blocking can remove your access to the chat.
Save evidence BEFORE blocking the account: once blocked you may lose access to the messages.
What not to do
- Do not reply to, threaten or confront the person who has caused harm.
- Do not delete the chat, message or account before evidence has been saved.
- Do not share screenshots of abusive content on social media or in parent chats.
- Do not promise your child you will keep what they tell you a secret.
- Do not wait to see if it stops on its own if grooming or sexual content is involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.