How to make a report on an app or website
1. Reporting Inappropriate Content
When you or your child encounter something harmful or upsetting online, it's important to know the right steps to take.
On the Platform Itself
Most social media platforms, apps, and websites have built-in reporting tools. Look for a "Report" button, often represented by a flag icon or found within a three-dot menu next to a piece of content or a user's profile.
Why it's important: Reporting directly to the platform alerts their safety teams to content that violates their community guidelines.
Top Tip: Take a screenshot of the content first. This can be useful evidence if you need to report the issue to a different organisation or to the police.
External Organisations
If the platform doesn't take action or if the content is highly dangerous or illegal, there are dedicated organisations you can contact for help.
CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection) Command: Part of the National Crime Agency, CEOP is the police service to report concerns about online sexual abuse or grooming of a child. You can make a report directly through their CEOP Safety Centre.
The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF): The IWF works to remove illegal images and videos of child sexual abuse from the internet. You can use their reporting portal anonymously.
Report Harmful Content: This organisation provides guidance and direct links to help you report various forms of harmful content, including cyberbullying, hate speech, and threats. Visit their website at reportharmfulcontent.com.
2. Blocking and Filtering Content
Blocking and filtering tools are a great way to create a safer digital environment at home, but remember they are not a substitute for open communication.
Device and Operating System Controls
Most smartphones, tablets, and computers have built-in parental controls that allow you to manage what your child can access.
Google Family Link: A free app that lets you manage a child's Android or Chrome OS device. You can set screen time limits, approve or block apps, and filter content on Google services like Chrome and YouTube. Learn more at the Google Family Link website.
Apple Screen Time: A feature on iPhones, iPads, and Macs that allows you to set content and privacy restrictions, prevent in-app purchases, and set time limits. Find guidance on the Apple Support website.
Microsoft Family Safety: Allows you to create a family group to set screen time limits, block inappropriate content, and receive activity reports across Windows, Xbox, and Android devices.
Router-Level and Third-Party Filtering
Internet Service Provider (ISP) Parental Controls: Many ISPs offer parental controls as part of your broadband package. Check with your provider to see what content filters are available.
Third-Party Apps: Dedicated parental control apps like Qustodio or Net Nanny offer comprehensive features, including content filtering, activity monitoring, and location tracking across multiple devices.
3. Top Tips for Parents and Carers
Beyond the tools and reporting mechanisms, here are some of the most effective ways to promote online safety.
Have an Open Conversation: Make talking about online life a normal part of your family's routine. Ask your children what they enjoy doing online and who they talk to. Let them know they can come to you without fear of getting in trouble if they see something that makes them feel worried or uncomfortable.
Lead by Example: Be a good role model for online behavior. Be mindful of what you post and share, and show your children how to be respectful and responsible digital citizens.
Set Realistic Boundaries: Work with your children to create clear rules about screen time, what websites they can visit, and what information they should never share.
Keep Devices in Shared Spaces: Encourage children to use internet-enabled devices in communal areas of the home, such as the living room, rather than in their bedrooms. This helps with supervision and keeps you connected to their online world.
Review Privacy Settings: Regularly check and update the privacy settings on all apps and accounts your children use to ensure their personal information is not exposed to strangers.