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uk Sexual violence & highly sensitive situations online contact sexual pressure • pressured sexual chat fast • asked to move to whatsapp • asked to move to telegram • asked to move to snapchat • wants to switch apps quickly • pushing explicit conversation • grooming vibe online • sextortion risk • webcam pressure • intimate images pressure • won’t take no online • manipulative flirty stranger • threatens to share screenshots • asks for nudes quickly • new match gets sexual fast • “keep this private” pressure • “don’t tell anyone” pressure

What to do if…
an online contact pushes sexual conversation quickly and pressures you to move platforms

Short answer

Pause the conversation and do not move platforms. Take a few screenshots, then block and report them in the app you’re currently on.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t move to a new app “just to calm them down” or “to be polite”.
  • Don’t send sexual images, videos, or do anything on camera to “prove” anything.
  • Don’t share personal info that helps them find you (full name, school/workplace, location, other socials, phone number).
  • Don’t pay money, gift cards, or crypto if they threaten you (payment often increases demands).
  • Don’t argue, negotiate, or try to “win them over” once you feel pressured.
  • Don’t delete the chat until you’ve captured what you need to report.

What to do now

  1. Create distance fast. Stop replying, mute the chat, and turn off read receipts/“active” status if you can.
  2. Capture key evidence (quickly, minimal). Screenshot the profile, username/handle, and the most recent messages showing pressure, threats, or requests to move platforms. Note the date/time and the platform name.
  3. Block them where you are. Block the account on the current platform (and any linked accounts they’ve already shared).
  4. Report in-app using the platform tools. Use “report” for harassment/sexual solicitation/threats/blackmail as applicable. Attach screenshots if the platform allows.
  5. Lock down your accounts for the next 24 hours.
    • Set social profiles to private.
    • Remove phone number/email from public view.
    • Turn off location sharing and “find by phone number/email” discovery.
    • Review recent followers/friends and remove unknowns.
  6. If they have your sexual images or are threatening you:
    • Do not pay. Save screenshots of the threat.
    • Report to the police: call 999 if you feel in immediate danger, otherwise call 101 or report online via your local force.
    • If it’s financially motivated online blackmail (“sextortion”), also report via Action Fraud (Report Fraud).
    • If images exist or may be shared and you’re an adult, you can also use a free hashing tool like StopNCII to help participating platforms detect and remove copies.
  7. If you are under 18 (or you’re worried the target is under 18):
    • Tell a trusted adult now (parent/guardian, school safeguarding lead, youth worker).
    • Report to CEOP as soon as you can.
    • If images are involved or threatened, use Report Remove (with a trusted adult if possible) to request removal.
  8. Get specialist support (you don’t have to decide about reporting right now).
    • If anything sexual has happened to you without consent, or you’re not sure, contact the UK’s 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line for confidential support.
    • If intimate images are involved (shared or threatened) and you’re 18+, the Revenge Porn Helpline can support you and help with takedown steps.

If you may want to report later, keep the screenshots and any links/usernames somewhere safe, but don’t keep re-reading them.

What can wait

  • You don’t need to figure out who they “really are” right now.
  • You don’t need to write a long statement or collect lots of evidence immediately—just the essentials.
  • You don’t need to decide today whether to warn others publicly.
  • You don’t need to respond to any “final chance” messages.

Important reassurance

Feeling shaken, embarrassed, or frozen is a normal response to sexual pressure and manipulation online. People who push fast and try to move you off-platform often do it to reduce oversight and increase control—your job is simply to stop the interaction and get support.

Scope note

This is first-step guidance to stabilise and reduce harm. If threats, image-sharing, stalking, or ongoing contact continue, you may need specialist help and formal reports.

Important note

This guide is general information for immediate safety and support. It isn’t legal advice or a substitute for professional services. If you are in immediate danger, call 999.

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