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Parent to police

Reporting an online incident to the police

A structured template to help you report an online safety incident to the police clearly, with the facts and evidence they will need.

When to use this template

Use when reporting an online incident to the police on 101 (or 999 in an emergency), or when giving a written account. It helps you set out the facts in order so nothing important is missed. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999 first.

Tone guidance

  • Lead with facts, in date order. Keep interpretation and emotion brief.
  • Distinguish what you saw yourself from what your child told you ("my child says…").
  • Ask for a crime/incident reference number — you will need it for follow-up.

Template

Report of an online safety incident

My name is [YOUR NAME] and I am the parent/carer of [CHILD'S NAME], aged [AGE].

What has happened: [FACTUAL SUMMARY]

When: [DATE(S) AND TIME(S)]
Where (platform/app/game): [PLATFORM/APP]
Who (if known): [USERNAME / PROFILE / ANY REAL DETAILS]

Evidence I have preserved: [SCREENSHOTS / MESSAGES / URLS]. I have not deleted anything and can provide it securely on request.

Ongoing risk: [IS CONTACT CONTINUING?]

I would like this recorded and to be advised on next steps and any safeguarding referral. Please confirm a crime or incident reference number and a point of contact.

Fields to replace

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

  • Your name and relationship to the child[YOUR NAME — parent/carer of ...]
  • Child's name and age[CHILD'S NAME, AGE]
  • What has happened[FACTUAL SUMMARY]

    Plain facts, in order. What, who, where online.

  • When it happened / was discovered[DATE(S) AND TIME(S)]
  • Platform, app, or game involved[PLATFORM/APP]
  • Details of the other person (if known)[USERNAME / PROFILE / ANY REAL DETAILS]
  • Evidence you have kept[SCREENSHOTS / MESSAGES / URLS]
  • Any ongoing risk[IS CONTACT CONTINUING?]

What to attach

  • Screenshots of messages, profiles, and usernames, clearly dated where possible.
  • A short timeline of events.
  • Device details if the child's account or device is involved.

What not to include

  • Do not forward, attach, or share any sexual or indecent image of a child. Tell the police it exists and let them advise; also report to the IWF.
  • Do not contact or confront the other person yourself.
  • Do not delete messages or accounts before the police advise — preserve everything.

Related

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.