If underage children are around adults you believe may be unsafe in the UK, concerns can be reported through several safeguarding routes depending on the urgency and nature of the risk.

Immediate Danger

If a child is in immediate danger or you believe a crime may be occurring:

• contact 999 emergency services
• or your local police child protection unit.

Non-Emergency Safeguarding Concerns

You can report concerns to:

• the child’s local council children’s services/social services,
• the school safeguarding lead,
• police via 101,
• or the NSPCC Helpline

The NSPCC can advise anonymously if someone is unsure whether behaviour meets safeguarding thresholds.

Schools and Educational Settings

If concerns involve:

• teachers,
• school staff,
• volunteers,
• sports coaches,
• or adults regularly around children through education,

you can contact:

• the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL),
• the headteacher,
• governors/trust,
• the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO),
• or Ofsted

Reporting Professionals

For professionals working with children:

• Teaching Regulation Agency
• Social Work England
• healthcare professionals can also be reported to:
  • General Medical Council
  • Nursing and Midwifery Council

What Information Helps

Safeguarding referrals are usually strongest when they include:

• dates/times,
• specific incidents,
• names/relationships,
• direct observations,
• screenshots/messages,
• photographs where lawful,
• and factual descriptions rather than assumptions.

Professionals generally assess:

• patterns of behaviour,
• coercion,
• emotional harm,
• boundary violations,
• exposure to unsafe adults,
• and whether children appear fearful, controlled, or distressed.

Important Safeguarding Guidance

If children may be vulnerable:

• avoid confronting suspected adults aggressively,
• avoid repeatedly questioning children yourself,
• avoid discussing allegations publicly online,
• and keep records secure and factual.

Safeguarding agencies are trained to investigate concerns involving coercion, manipulation, abuse, or unsafe environments around minors.