Discussing sexual content involving minors and how to appropriately report it
We've had a few posts over the past week that pertain to either the sexual predation of minors or minors posting sexual imagery of themselves on Reddit. We removed those posts. (And by we, I mean me when I'm struggling to sleep, make the mistake of opening the Reddit app, and see these posts in my feed before mumbling curse words to myself.)
We understand that users can get frustrated with inaction from either subreddit moderators or Reddit's report processes when this content is not dealt with. Those users sometimes send the issue here hoping that more eyes on the content will lead to more reports and quicker content removal. We do not suspect ill motives of the users who post about these issues here.
That said, everyone should keep in mind the following:
- While these situations require urgency, posting about them here isn't always appropriate or helpful. An increase of reports to Reddit from multiple users does not always ensure quick content removal, particularly when the content is not obviously rule-breaking or displays no signals of automation.
- Linking to illegal content not only violates Reddit's policies, but it signal boosts the content and could further victimize the minor. Don't do this, and don't assume that everyone lurking in this subreddit has good intentions.
- Linking to illegal content could put your own account at risk, especially if someone reports your content and the report system is working correctly. Good intentions won't get your account back.
Here are the proper avenues to report this content:
- Report the content through Reddit's report system. (And yes, it often works, including when users obfuscate key words and phrases in their content.) These reports are not only forwarded to the platform, but they are also sent to the mod team's queue for review. Reports also help build a paper trail that could be helpful later, even when they are not immediately actioned.
- Report flow: Report → Minor abuse or sexualization → Sexual or suggestive content | Predatory or inappropriate behavior | Content involving physical or emotional abuse or neglect
- Message the relevant subreddit's mod team with evidence of the activity, including links. When the inappropriate content is a post rather than a comment, then advise them to lock the post given that removed posts are still discoverable through Reddit's search feature and users can still comment under those posts.
- Here is a Devvit app that automatically locks posts when they are removed by mods, admins, or users: https://developers.reddit.com/apps/removed-posts
- I posted in r/ModSupport in December 2025 about mods failing to lock removed posts. Read this if you want to further understand the issue: https://www.reddit.com/r/ModSupport/comments/1pzxo5e/psa_lock_your_subreddits_removed_posts/
- File a Moderator Code of Conduct (MCoC) report. If you suspect that the relevant moderation team is either absent or approving the inappropriate content, then you can submit a Moderator Code of Conduct report form with links to the content. A user should first report pieces of content individually through the normal report process so that Reddit's Safety Team can more efficiently evaluate the situation. In my experience, a human response to MCoC reports often takes between 1 to 2 weeks, but they handle the reports seriously.
If you believe the inappropriate content is automated, then you can complete the above steps before reporting those accounts to the Bot Bouncer app through r/BotBouncer and messaging that subreddit's mod team. (Two of this subreddit's moderators are also moderators there, including the app's developer.) Keep in mind that Bot Bouncer only handles accounts suspected of automating content; the app is not meant for other rule-breaking activity independent of automation.
When in doubt, message this subreddit's mod team before posting about illegal or suspected illegal content. Links to that content will never be permitted, but there might be a way to thoughtfully and discreetly call attention to an issue that doesn't put anyone at risk.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
