unhackchildhood.com/topics/intimate-images-sextortion · Reviewed September 24, 2026
DO THIS FIRST
Take back some control.
- 01
Stop responding and do not pay. Payment rarely ends the threats.
- 02
Save the username, profile, threats, payment demands, and conversation details. Do not resend the intimate image to document it.
- 03
Block the account after preserving the evidence and report it through the platform.
- 04
Tell a trusted adult now. You deserve help regardless of how the image was created or shared.
- 05
Use NCMEC’s CyberTipline to report exploitation. Use Take It Down to help limit sharing of an image taken before age 18.
FOR STUDENTS
No shame. Just the next move.
- This is not your fault, even if you sent an image voluntarily. The threat and exploitation are the offender’s actions.
- If you cannot tell a parent first, tell another safe adult such as a counselor, teacher, coach, relative, or police officer.
- If you may hurt yourself, call or text 988 now. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
FOR PARENTS
Contain first. Debrief later.
- Lead with safety: “You are not in trouble. We are going to handle this together.”
- Preserve evidence without repeatedly viewing or redistributing the image.
- Report promptly and consider support from a counselor familiar with trauma and online exploitation.
TRUSTED NEXT STOPS
Official help and reporting.
NCMEC CyberTipline ↗Report suspected online child sexual exploitation.Take It Down ↗A free NCMEC service that can help limit online sharing of images taken before age 18.988 Lifeline ↗Free, confidential crisis support by call, text, or chat.
Reviewed September 24, 2026. External guidance changes; confirm time-sensitive steps on the linked official site.
SET IT UP