Is hate speech illegal in the UK?

Some hate speech is illegal, especially when it incites hatred or violence against groups protected by law. Other hate-related content might not pass the legal bar but can still breach platform rules. Both are worth reporting.

Is criticising a religion or political view the same as hate speech?

No. UK law protects strong criticism of ideas, beliefs, and politics. The line is reached when speech targets people for who they are, rather than for what they think, and especially when it incites hatred or violence.

Will the police really do anything about an online comment?

Hate crime online is taken seriously. The police may not prosecute every comment, but reports build a picture that helps them act on patterns and serious cases. Reporting is also recorded as a hate incident even if it does not become a charge.

Hate speech and free speech

Where the line sits between strong opinion and hate speech under UK law, and what you can do when you are the target.

Free speech in the UK is real, but it is not unlimited. You are allowed to disagree strongly with ideas, beliefs, and people. You are not allowed to incite hatred or violence against people because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or transgender identity. That is the legal line, and it is set out in laws including the Public Order Act 1986 and the Communications Act 2003.

If you are on the receiving end of hate speech, that is not just rude, it can be a crime. You did nothing wrong by existing, and the fact that someone hates a category they put you in is about them, not you. UK police take hate crime reports seriously, including ones that happen online.

What this looks like in real life

Real examples

Comments under your post telling you to leave the country because of where your family is from.
A group chat sending slurs targeting your race, religion, sexuality, or disability.
Threats of violence aimed at you specifically because of one of those characteristics.
Posts encouraging others to harass someone for being part of a particular group.

What you can do

Step 1

Screenshot the post or message, including the username, date, and platform.

Step 2

Use the platform's report tool and select hate speech or hate-related categories.

Step 3

Report the incident as a hate crime to the police on 101, or through the True Vision online reporting site.

Step 4

Tell your school if the person is from your school or if it is affecting your day there.

Step 5

Block, mute, or restrict the account so you are not stuck reading more.

Step 6

Talk to someone afterwards. Hate speech can sit heavily even when it should not have any power.

What not to do

Do not get into a long argument trying to win them over. People who post hate speech are rarely persuaded by replies.
Do not delete the messages before screenshotting, you may need them.
Do not internalise what they said. It is not a fact about you, it is a choice they made about themselves.

Who you can talk to

People who can help

A parent, carer, or relative who shares your background or who has supported you before.
A teacher or pastoral lead, especially if it is school-linked.
Childline on 0800 1111, including their online chat.
Police on 101 to report a hate crime, or 999 if you are in immediate danger.
Stop Hate UK or a community organisation that supports your background.

If something goes wrong

If you are being targeted with hate speech and it is making you feel unsafe, that is a hate incident and possibly a hate crime. Report it to True Vision or the police on 101, tell someone you trust, and let your school know if anyone from school is involved. You are not making a fuss. Reporting also helps protect other people who would be the next target.

Frequently Asked Questions

Trusted UK sources

True Vision hate crime reporting (UK Police)
Report a hate crime (GOV.UK)
Online hate advice for young people (Childline)

Last reviewed: 2026-05-20Next review: 2026-08-20Reviewed against: UK statutory guidance

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.