Speaking Up: How and Why to Report Online Concerns
An assembly empowering students to report online concerns to trusted adults and platforms, and explaining why reporting matters.
Overview
Many children witness concerning behaviour online but do not report it — sometimes because they do not know how, sometimes because they fear getting into trouble, and sometimes because they think it will not make a difference. This assembly tackles each of these barriers and empowers students to speak up.
Talking Points
Reporting is not snitching — it is protecting yourself and others. If you saw someone being hurt in the playground, you would tell a teacher. The same applies online.
You will never get into trouble for reporting something that worried you, even if it turns out to be nothing. Adults would always rather you told them than stayed silent.
Every major platform has a report button. Learn where it is on the apps you use. Reporting harmful content helps the platform remove it so that others are not affected.
If something happens online that makes you feel scared, upset, or uncomfortable, tell a trusted adult — a parent, carer, teacher, or another grown-up you feel safe with. You can also contact Childline on 0800 1111.
Sometimes the hardest part is starting the conversation. You could say: 'Something happened online that I am not sure about, can I talk to you?' Most adults will be glad you asked.
Key Message
Reporting online concerns is brave, responsible, and important. You will never get into trouble for telling a trusted adult about something that worried you.
Follow-Up Activity
Each student writes down the names of three trusted adults they could talk to about an online concern and keeps the card in their school planner or bag. Classes also locate and practise using the report function on one platform they commonly use.
This content is designed to support professionals in their safeguarding role. It does not replace your organisation's safeguarding policies or training requirements.
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Last reviewed: 2026-03-29