My teen sent an image and now they’re being threatened. Are they in trouble?

No. A young person being exploited is the victim of a crime, even if they sent something or accepted money or a game credit. Don’t pay, preserve the usernames and messages (not the image), and report to NCMEC and the FBI. Use Take It Down to help remove the image.

Sextortion & intimate-image abuse — get help fast

If someone is pressuring a child for images or threatening to share them, act fast — and know the child is the victim of a crime, not the one in trouble. Don’t pay, preserve evidence (but not the image itself), and report.

Before you start — is anyone in danger right now?

This tool helps you organize and document a situation. It is not for emergencies. If a child is in immediate physical danger, or is talking about suicide or self-harm, get help first.

Call 911 Call or text 988 Text HOME to 741741 All crisis resources

What to do

1
Don’t pay and don’t comply
Giving in usually makes the threats escalate, not stop.
2
Preserve evidence — but not the image
Save usernames, messages, and dates. Do not save, copy, or forward a nude or sexual image of a minor; report it instead.
3
Report it
To NCMEC’s CyberTipline and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
4
Stop the spread
Use Take It Down to help remove or prevent sharing of an image of someone under 18.
5
Tell a trusted adult and get support
Especially if classmates are involved; call or text 988 if it feels overwhelming, and 911 if a child is in danger.

In-depth guides

Sextortion & image abuse

If someone is pressuring a child for images or threatening to share them, act fast — and know the child is the victim, not the wrongdoer. Where to report and remove.

Cyberbullying checklist

Capture screenshots that actually hold up: keep the URL, username, and date/time visible, capture before deleting, and report to the platform.

Free tools for this

Crisis & reporting resources

Frequently asked questions

My teen sent an image and now they’re being threatened. Are they in trouble?: No. A young person being exploited is the victim of a crime, even if they sent something or accepted money or a game credit. Don’t pay, preserve the usernames and messages (not the image), and report to NCMEC and the FBI. Use Take It Down to help remove the image.

Not sure what to do next?

Pick the step that fits where you are. Everything you enter stays on your device.

Browse more free guides, or read our privacy & AI promise.

Authoritative sources

General information — not legal advice

This page is general information to help you get organized, not legal or mental-health advice, and it doesn't guarantee any outcome. Laws and policies vary and change. For your specific situation, consult a licensed professional or the relevant agency. In an emergency call 911; for a mental-health crisis call or text 988.

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