Get help

Get help

If someone is in immediate danger, call emergency services on 999

Parents text content

Something has happened to my child online and I need help

If you or your child are being blackmailed for money, don’t pay. It is ok if you have already sent money. Don’t send any more.

Don’t delete anything that could be useful for an investigation such as messages, images or videos, the offender’s profile or bank account details.

Report to police. Report online child sexual abuse and grooming to your local police force or call 101.

Report to the platform what has happened. For help with reporting to specific platforms, visit the Internet Matters reporting guide.

Reassure your child that they are never to blame for online sexual abuse and they have done the right thing asking for your help.

Learn more about Finding out your child has been sexually abused and Supporting a child with difficulties following sexual abuse.

Help your child know where they can report

Under 18s can report:

Parents text content

I need to speak to someone for advice or support

If you are worried about online child sexual abuse and grooming, contact the NSPCC helpline. Call Monday-Friday 10am-4pm, video call with a BSL interpreter during selected hours or email.

If you are worried about someone’s sexual thoughts, feelings or actions, contact the Stop It Now helpline. Call Monday-Thursday 9am-9pm or Friday 9am-5pm, live chat during selected hours or email.

If you are worried about your child’s mental health and wellbeing:

Help your child know where they can get advice or support

  • Childline helpline to talk about anything. They can call or message, live chat with a counsellor when one is available or video call with a BSL interpreter during selected hours.

  • Shore helpline if they are worried about someone’s sexual thoughts, feelings or actions. They can live chat Monday-Thursday 5pm-8pm or email.

  • Papyrus helpline if they are having suicidal thoughts or are worried about someone else. They can call, text email or live chat 24/7.

  • National Crime Agency’s CEOP Education 11-18s website young people aged 11 or older for advice on topics related to online safety, relationships and sexual abuse.

Parents text content

I have found something online that looks like child sexual abuse material

Don’t save, screenshot or share. Keeping or sharing child sexual abuse images or videos is illegal under UK law.

Report to the Internet Watch Foundation.

Report to the platform where you found the image or video. For help with reporting to specific platforms, visit the Internet Matters reporting guide.