Report online bullying and threatening messages
If someone is sending you threatening messages or harassing you online, this could amount to a criminal offence.
Immediate danger
If you feel in immediate danger, dial 999.
Social media messages
Some messages and posts on social media may be upsetting, distasteful or express an unpopular view but are not necessarily criminal. You should report abuse to the social media site administrators.
The police will only deal with messages which are:
- a threat to a person’s life, safety or property
- targeting specific individuals, including persistent harassment and ongoing abuse
- a breach of court orders, including identifying people protected by law
- grossly offensive, indecent, obscene or false and of a malicious nature
When reporting to the police, keep a record or screenshot of the messages, who sent them and when.
Report messages sent via social media
If you have received offensive or threatening messages via social media, you can report it:
- online – fill in the report a crime or incident form
- in person – visit a police station
- by phone – call 101
Keep children safe online
The NSPCC provides guidance and support to help keep children safe online. Visit the NSPCC website to learn about online safety.