What if the person my child is meeting claims to be another child?

Adults who target children online frequently pretend to be younger than they are. Even if your child believes they are meeting a peer, the situation should still be reported to CEOP and, if appropriate, the police. It is far better to report and find out the person is genuine than to take the risk.

My child has already met the person and says nothing bad happened. Should I still report it?

Yes. Even if your child says the meeting was harmless, it is important to report the situation. The person may be in contact with other children, and what your child perceives as a positive encounter may still involve elements of grooming. CEOP and the police can assess the situation properly and take action if needed.

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My Child Has Arranged to Meet Someone From the Internet

You have discovered that your child has been communicating with someone online and has arranged to meet them in person, is currently at a meeting, or has already met someone from the internet without your knowledge.

Discovering your child has arranged to meet someone from the internet is one of the most frightening situations a parent can face. Your instinct will be to react with panic or anger, but staying calm is essential — your child needs to feel safe enough to tell you the truth about what has happened or is planned. Whether the meeting has already taken place or is still being arranged, the steps below will help you protect your child and involve the right people.

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Establish Your Child's Immediate Safety

If your child is currently meeting someone or is missing, call 999 immediately. If the meeting is planned but has not happened yet, stay calm and proceed to the next step. If the meeting has already taken place and your child is home safe, take a breath and focus on having a conversation.

✗ Do not: Do not delay calling the police if your child is currently missing or in a potentially dangerous situation.

Talk to Your Child Calmly

Sit down with your child in a private, comfortable space. Tell them you are not angry but you are concerned about their safety. Ask them to tell you about the person they have been talking to — how they met online, what they have discussed, and what was planned.

Preserve All Evidence

Do not delete any messages, photos, or app conversations. Screenshot the online person's profile, all message threads, any photos they sent, and any arrangements made. Note the platform, username, and any identifying details the person shared.

Report to CEOP and the Police

Make a report to CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection) at ceop.police.uk/ceop-reporting. If you believe your child is at risk of harm or the person may be an adult targeting children, also call 101 (non-emergency police) or 999 if there is immediate danger.

Seek Professional Support

Contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 for confidential advice. If the meeting did take place and your child seems distressed, anxious, or is not telling you everything, consider arranging for them to speak with a trained professional.

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✗Do not react with anger or punishment — your child needs to trust you enough to share crucial information.
✗Do not contact the online person yourself. This could compromise a police investigation and may put your child at greater risk.
✗Do not delete any messages or evidence, even if the content is upsetting.
✗Do not blame your child. Many children who arrange to meet online contacts genuinely believe they are meeting a friend or someone their own age.

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•Screenshot all conversations, including the other person's profile, username, photos, and any identifying details they shared.
•Note the platform, dates, and times of all communications. If voice or video calls took place, record what your child remembers about them.
•Save any location details discussed — meeting points, addresses, or landmarks — and share these with the police.

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✓Use phrases like 'I am so glad you are safe' and 'You can tell me anything — I am here to help you, not punish you'. This helps your child feel secure enough to share what happened.
✓Avoid asking leading questions. Let your child tell their story in their own words and at their own pace. They may need several conversations before they share everything.
✓Reassure your child that the adult (if the person is an adult) is the one who has done wrong, not them. Many children feel guilt or shame even when they are the victim.