How to report abuse, grooming or harmful content on Reddit
A UK parent's walkthrough for reporting posts, comments, subreddits, direct messages and users on Reddit, plus the UK reporting routes when a child is at risk.
Reddit is a large public forum where reports go first to subreddit moderators and then to Reddit's site-wide admins. Anonymous accounts and unfiltered direct messages are the most common safeguarding concerns for children. Reports can be made in-app, on the web, and via the public reporting form at reddit.com/report.
This page walks through how to report each surface, what to save first, and the UK escalation routes. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.
How to report inside the app
Save evidence before you report
Screenshot the post, comment thread or chat. Copy the permalink (use the three-dot menu → Copy link) so you have the full reddit.com/r/... URL. Note the username (with the u/ prefix) and the date.
Report a post or comment
Tap the three-dot menu on the post or comment, choose Report. Pick the reason — Reddit's wizard guides you through Threatening violence, Sexualisation of minors, Harassment, etc. Submit and the report goes to subreddit moderators and to Reddit Admins for serious categories.
Report a user
Open the user's profile, tap the three-dot menu, choose Report user. For grooming or sexualisation of minors, use that specific category — it routes straight to Reddit's Trust & Safety team.
Report a direct message or chat
In a DM, tap the three-dot menu on the message, choose Report. In Reddit Chat, do the same. Always save the screenshot first — blocking the user removes your access to the conversation.
Report sexualisation of a minor
Use Reddit's dedicated report flow at reddit.com/report → Minor sexualisation. Also report the URL to the Internet Watch Foundation at iwf.org.uk. Do not save or share the image yourself.
Escalate outside the platform
For grooming or sexual content involving a child, report to CEOP at ceop.police.uk and call 101 (or 999 if a child is in immediate danger). For confidential adult advice, NSPCC 0808 800 5000. Childline supports the child directly on 0800 1111.
Tell the child and the school
Reassure the child and explain what you are doing. Tell the school's Designated Safeguarding Lead if the contact involves other pupils or has spilled into school life.
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.