Someone is threatening to share images of my child. Who do I report this to first?
If there is an active threat, preserve evidence immediately and report. Do not negotiate or pay.
Images of my child are already online. Can they be removed?
Yes, there are removal and prevention tools specifically for images involving minors. Use Take It Down to help stop the sharing of sexual images of minors without uploading the image publicly. Take It Down is a free, anonymous online service run by National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) that helps people remove or […]
My child is being pressured through gaming chat. Does this count as exploitation?
Yes. Online games are one of the most common places grooming and sextortion begin. Voice chat, private servers, and in-game messaging are frequently used. Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization that provides education and advocacy on digital literacy and online safety for children and families. It is best known for rating media content and […]
What if the person targeting my child is another minor?
It still matters. Harm is harm, even when both parties are under 18. When children are younger focus on safety and stopping the behavior rather than punishment.
Someone created a fake sexual image of my child using AI. Is this illegal?
AI-generated sexual images of minors are treated seriously and can fall under child sexual abuse material laws depending on the content and jurisdiction. The NCMEC CyberTipline is a U.S. national reporting system operated by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children for receiving tips about suspected child sexual exploitation and abuse material (CSAM) and […]
How do I help my child emotionally after online exploitation? I feel terrified of saying the wrong thing.
Start by focusing on safety and connection, not fixing everything at once. Your child needs to feel believed, supported, and calm around you. Even if you are scared or angry, try to slow your voice and reactions. Children often take emotional cues from their parents, and your steadiness helps their nervous system settle. Be very […]
What if my child refuses to give me their phone?
Focus on connection before control. Escalating quickly can increase secrecy. If there is imminent risk, safety comes first. Otherwise, keep the door open for conversation.
Who should educators contact if a student discloses online exploitation?
Educators should follow mandated reporting laws and school protocols, while prioritizing student safety and confidentiality.
How do I know if something is serious enough to step in? What if I am wrong and overreact?
If a child feels scared, pressured, confused, ashamed, or afraid to tell you, that alone is enough reason to step in. Harm does not always look dramatic. Many harmful situations begin quietly and escalate over time. Children often minimize experiences because they are trying to protect themselves, protect someone else, or avoid getting in trouble. […]
What should I do if my child is targeted by a deepfake image?
Save evidence. Report the image to the platform. Notify the school if peers are involved. Seek professional support. Treat it with the same seriousness as any other form of sexual exploitation.