us Sexual violence & highly sensitive situations sent explicit content • may be underage • possible child image • suspect illegal image • explicit message received • unwanted sexual content • sexual image in chat • underage nude sent • explicit photo sent • explicit video sent • worried about child image • panicking after message • received disturbing image • image might involve minor • someone sent illegal content • sexual content from stranger • explicit content in dm • not sure their age • disturbing sexual message • child sexual image concern

What to do if…
you are sent explicit content that appears to involve someone who may be underage and you feel panicked

Short answer

Stop engaging with the content and report it through the platform and the U.S. child-exploitation reporting route. If you think a child is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local police now.

Do not do these things

Do not forward it to anyone, even to ask for help identifying it.
Do not reply to the sender to confront them or keep the conversation going.
Do not keep reopening the image or video to examine it.
Do not share screenshots in messages, forums, or social media.
Do not try to verify the person’s age yourself.
Do not feel you need to handle this alone or make every decision immediately.
If you may want to report it, use the platform’s reporting tools first and then follow any instructions the platform or law enforcement give you.

What to do now

Stop the interaction. Close the content and stop messaging the sender.
Report it on the platform where it was sent. Use the app or website’s built-in reporting tool for the account and the content. Then block or mute the sender if needed to stop further contact.
Make a report to the CyberTipline. In the U.S., NCMEC’s CyberTipline is the centralized reporting system for suspected online child sexual exploitation.
If there is immediate danger, contact emergency services. Call 911 or your local police if you think a child may be in immediate physical danger.
If you are under 18 and the image or video is of you, use Take It Down and tell a trusted adult. Take It Down helps remove or stop the online sharing of nude, partially nude, or sexually explicit images or videos taken of you when you were under 18 on participating public or unencrypted services.
If this seems connected to grooming, pressure, or threats, treat it as urgent even if you are unsure. Make the CyberTipline report and contact local police rather than continuing contact with the sender.
Contain further exposure once you have reported it. Leave the app closed, disable previews or notifications for that chat if you can, and avoid reopening the content unless the platform or law enforcement asks you to do something specific.

What can wait

You do not need to decide right now what label fits the situation, whether to speak to multiple agencies today, or whether you are “certain enough.” You also do not need to keep checking the content to justify reporting it.

Important reassurance

A panicked reaction to this kind of material is normal. The safest first move is usually to stop the interaction, report through the proper channel, and let specialist systems take it from there.

Scope note

This is first steps only. Later decisions about reporting, safeguarding, or support may need specialist help.

Important note

This is general information, not legal or mental health advice. The right next step can depend on your age, where the content was sent, and whether there is an immediate risk to a child.

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What to do if…you are sent explicit content that appears to involve someone who may be underage and you feel panicked