How to save evidence of online harassment
How to screenshot, record and organise evidence of cyberbullying, threats or harassment so schools, platforms and police can act.
- Screenshots should show the message, the sender's username and the date and time.
- Save links, keep a simple log, and back everything up somewhere safe.
- Never save or forward sexual images of a child, even as evidence.
Good evidence makes it much easier for schools, platforms and police to act. Save it before you block or report, because blocked or reported content can disappear.
What to capture
For each incident:
- The content: the message, comment, post, photo or video
- Who sent it: username, display name and, if possible, the profile link
- When: date and time
- Where: which app, group chat or website
- Who else saw it: other people in the chat or comments
How to screenshot well
- Make sure the username and timestamp are visible in the screenshot. On some apps, you need to tap the message to see the time.
- For long conversations, take several overlapping screenshots so nothing is missing.
- Screenshot the profile page of the account too.
- On Android, press power and volume down together. On iPhone, press the side button and volume up.
Save links
Screenshots can be questioned; links point to the original. Copy the link to each post and profile, using the Share or Copy link option, and paste them into a note.
Screen recording
For stories, videos or content that disappears, use your phone's screen recorder.
Keep a log
A simple log helps you and anyone investigating:
| Date and time | App | Who | What happened | Evidence file |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 Sept, 9:40 PM | Messenger, class chat | user123 | Posted edited photo of my child with insults | screenshot_01.png |
Store it safely
- Save copies to a folder on your phone and back them up to your email or cloud storage.
- Name files with dates.
- Don't keep evidence only on your child's phone.
Important: sexual images
Never save, screenshot or forward sexual images or videos of a child, even to report them. That's possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material. Instead, write down where the image is (app, account, link) and report it immediately. See how to report online child abuse.
Then block and report
Once you've saved evidence, block the accounts and report them on the platform. See your child is being cyberbullied: what to do.
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