Epilepsy Trolling: reporting it to social media companies

Epilepsy trolling is when someone knows, or thinks, that you have epilepsy and they deliberately send you an image designed to cause a seizure.

The flashing image could be sent online or offline:

A flashing image could also be sent to a group of people by someone who thinks a member of the group has epilepsy.

Even if the image does not affect you, or anyone in a group, it's still a crime if it was sent to cause harm.

You might not be sure who sent the image or what they intended when they sent it. That doesn’t matter, you can still report it to us and we’ll decide how to follow up on the details you give us.

If you report what’s happened to the police you’ll be asked if you want to be put in touch with a support organisation.

Read: What to expect as a victim or witness of a crime

If you don’t want to report it to the police you can still get help from those same organisations. 

Read: Support for victims and witnesses

National support organisations

It’s upsetting if you’ve received any type of false, threatening or harmful message, but you can get help by speaking to these organisations that understand your specific needs.

Advice for children, young people, parents and carers on keeping safe online and dealing with online harm.

Free expert help for victims of cybercrime and online harm.

Confidential helpline and trained operators who can answer your questions about what’s happened and give you advice on what to do next.

Charity supporting LGBT+ people who have experienced abuse.

Text the word ‘Shout’ 85258 for a free, confidential text support service for children, young people and adults. Get help with anything you’re struggling with, including cyberbullying.

Provides trained volunteers you can talk to about any abuse you’ve experienced.

Independent, confidential and accessible reporting and support for victims, witnesses and third parties of hate crime.

National support for young people

Gives free, confidential support for young people under 25 via online, social media and mobile phone.

Help for anyone under 19, including advice on how to stay safe online and how to keep your personal information secure.

Confidential advice and help for young Muslims who have suffered any type of threat or discrimination.

Advice for parents and children about how to keep children safe online.

Help for anyone up to the age of 25 in Wales. Get advice on everything from staying safe on dating apps to updating your privacy settings. Phone, text or chat online from 8am to midnight, every day of the year.