How to report abuse, grooming or harmful content on X (Twitter)
A UK parent's walkthrough for reporting posts, accounts, comments and DMs on X (Twitter), plus the UK reporting routes when a child is at risk.
X (formerly Twitter) is a public posting platform with limited proactive moderation. Reports are handled by X's Safety team. Children on X are most exposed to graphic content, harassment, scam DMs, and contact from strangers.
This page walks through the in-app report flow, what to save first, and the UK routes (CEOP, IWF, police, NSPCC) outside the platform. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.
How to report inside the app
Save evidence before you report
Tap the three-dot menu on the post, choose Copy link to post. Screenshot the post, the profile @handle and any sensitive-content warning. Note the date and time.
Report a post
Tap the three-dot menu on the post, choose Report post. X's wizard walks through categories (Abuse and harassment, Privacy, Self-harm, Child sexual exploitation, etc.). Pick the closest match and follow the prompts.
Report an account
Open the profile, tap the three-dot menu, choose Report @username. Use the Suspicious or spam category for fake accounts; use Child sexual exploitation for predatory contact.
Report a DM
Open the DM, tap the recipient name to open the chat details, choose Report. Save the screenshot first — blocking can remove access to the conversation.
Report child sexual exploitation
Use X's dedicated flow: three-dot menu → Report → It's suspicious or spam → It's involving a child. Also report the URL to the Internet Watch Foundation at iwf.org.uk. Do not save or share the image yourself.
Escalate outside the app
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 scams or sextortion, contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. NSPCC adult helpline: 0808 800 5000.
Lock down the account afterwards
After reporting, switch the child's account to Protect your posts (Settings → Privacy and safety → Audience and tagging → Protect your posts). Limit DMs to followers only.
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.