Parent to police

Reporting online sexual abuse or exploitation to CEOP

A template to help you make a clear report to CEOP when a child has experienced online sexual abuse, exploitation, grooming, or sextortion.

When to use this template

Use when reporting online sexual contact, grooming, exploitation, or sextortion to CEOP (ceop.police.uk). Call 999 if a child is in immediate danger. CEOP is the National Crime Agency's child protection command.

Tone guidance

Keep the account factual and non-graphic — never describe or send images.
Note whether contact is ongoing and whether the child is safe now.
If sextortion: make clear no further payment or images have been or will be sent.

Template

Report to CEOP

Child: [CHILD'S NAME], aged [AGE]. I am their [parent/carer], [YOUR NAME].

What has happened: [FACTUAL SUMMARY — non-graphic]

Platform and account(s) involved: [PLATFORM + USERNAME(S)]
When: [WHEN IT HAPPENED / WAS FOUND]
Any threats or demands: [E.G. THREATS TO SHARE IMAGES, DEMANDS FOR MONEY]

Evidence: I have preserved [SCREENSHOTS / PROFILE URLS] and have not deleted anything. I understand I should not share any images and will follow your guidance on evidence.

We have stopped/blocked contact where safe to do so. Please advise on next steps and safeguarding support.

Fields to replace

Before sending, swap every bracketed placeholder for your own details. If a field does not apply, delete the whole line.

Child's name and age[CHILD'S NAME, AGE]
Your name and relationship[YOUR NAME — parent/carer]
What has happened[FACTUAL SUMMARY — non-graphic]
Describe the contact/behaviour factually. Do not describe or attach images.
Platform and username(s)[PLATFORM + USERNAME(S)]
Dates and times[WHEN IT HAPPENED / WAS FOUND]
Any demands or threats made[E.G. THREATS TO SHARE IMAGES, DEMANDS FOR MONEY]
Evidence preserved[SCREENSHOTS / PROFILE URLS]

What to attach

Screenshots of chats, usernames, and profiles (not images of the child).
The platform name and any profile links.
A short timeline.

What not to include

Never attach or forward any nude/sexual image of a child. Report that it exists; use Report Remove (Childline + IWF) to take images down.
Do not pay any demand or send further images in sextortion cases.
Do not confront the offender or delete the account before advised.

Reporting: school safeguarding concern

Last reviewed: 2026-07-13Next review: 2026-10-13Reviewed against: UK safeguarding practice

This is practical educational content to support families. For case-specific concerns about a child's safety, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or your local safeguarding team.