1. Do not share, forward, or save the material beyond what is necessary
Do not send the content to others to ask their opinion. Sharing can unintentionally cause further harm and, in some cases, legal risk. If the material is already on a device, avoid repeated viewing.
2. Preserve evidence without interacting
If the content is on your child’s device or account:
Do not delete it right away
Do not respond to or engage with anyone involved
Take note of usernames, URLs, platform names, dates, and times
Preserving evidence helps authorities and platforms act more effectively.
3. Report it to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) CyberTipline
The CyberTipline is the primary, federally designated reporting system for CSAM in the United States.
Reports can be made online or by phone
You do not need proof or certainty
You can report as a parent, caregiver, or concerned adult
Once submitted, NCMEC coordinates with law enforcement and online platforms to investigate and remove material where possible.
4. Report the content on the platform where it appears
Most social media platforms, gaming services, and messaging apps have reporting tools specifically for child sexual exploitation. Reporting helps platforms remove content quickly and prevent further sharing.
5. If your child is involved or targeted, seek support immediately
If the material involves your child—whether images were shared, threatened, or created without consent—reach out for professional support right away. A local sexual violence resource agency like The Rowan Center, or Child Advocacy Center can help with:
Safety planning
Emotional support
Guidance on next steps
Help navigating reporting and image removal
You do not need to go through this alone.
6. You may also contact local law enforcement
If there is immediate danger, ongoing threats, or extortion, contacting local police is appropriate. Reporting to NCMEC does not require you to also report to police, but both options can work together depending on the situation.