My Child Received an Unsolicited Explicit Image
Your child has received an explicit or sexual image or video via a messaging app, social media direct message, group chat, or gaming platform. The content was not requested and your child is upset, confused, or frightened.
Receiving an unsolicited explicit image is something your child did not choose and is not responsible for. The sender — not your child — has done something wrong. How you respond now will shape whether your child feels safe coming to you in the future. Stay calm, reassure them, and follow the steps below.
What to do now
Reassure Your Child Immediately
Tell your child they have done nothing wrong and are not in trouble. Acknowledge that what happened was unexpected and unpleasant. Use calm, steady language: 'I am so glad you told me. This is not your fault at all.'
✗ Do not: Do not react with shock, anger, or questions that imply blame — this can cause your child to shut down or feel responsible.
Do Not View or Save the Image
If the image has not already been viewed, do not open it. If it has been seen, do not save, forward, or share it. Depending on the nature of the image, saving or distributing it may itself be a criminal offence.
✗ Do not: Do not examine the content repeatedly or ask your child to describe it in detail.
Preserve Evidence Before Reporting
Before deleting anything, take screenshots of the message thread, the sender's profile, their username, and any relevant metadata such as timestamps. Note the platform, date, and time of receipt.
Report to the Platform
Use the platform's built-in reporting tools to report the sender. Most platforms have a specific option for unsolicited explicit content. Block the sender after reporting.
Report to Authorities
If the image appears to show a child under 18, report immediately to the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) at iwf.org.uk — do not delay. If the sender is known to your child or you believe your child may be at risk of further contact, report to CEOP at ceop.police.uk. For immediate danger, call 999.
What not to do
- ✗Do not delete the messages or block the sender before preserving evidence — you may need this for a report.
- ✗Do not forward the image to anyone, including the police or school, unless specifically instructed to do so by authorities.
- ✗Do not minimise the incident — even if your child appears unbothered, check in with them over the following days.
Preserving evidence
Why this matters
If you need to report to authorities or a platform, evidence can help.
- •Screenshot the message thread showing the sender's name or username, profile picture, and the time the image was sent — before blocking or deleting.
- •Note the platform, the full username or URL of the sender, and any other accounts or information visible in their profile.
How to talk to your child
- ✓Repeat clearly and more than once: 'You have done nothing wrong. Someone sent you something they should not have. That is on them, not you.'
- ✓Ask gently whether the sender is someone they know or a stranger, and whether there has been any other contact from this person — but do not press if they are distressed.
Who to contact
Internet Watch Foundation (IWF)
To report child sexual abuse imagery — report immediately if you suspect the image involves a minor
Online reporting available 24/7
CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection)
If the sender may pose an ongoing risk to your child or if grooming is suspected
Online reporting available 24/7
NSPCC Helpline
For advice and support about how to handle the situation and protect your child
24/7, 365 days a year
Police (999)
If your child is in immediate danger or the sender is known and poses a direct threat
24/7
This guidance is for informational purposes. It is not a substitute for emergency services or professional safeguarding support. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999 (UK) or 911 (US) now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
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Quick Reference — My Child Received an Unsolicited Explicit Image
My Child Received an Unsolicited Explicit Image — Quick Reference
Safe Child Guide — safechildguide.com
Do this:
- 1. Tell your child they have done nothing wrong and are not in trouble. Acknowledge that what happened was unexpected and unpleasant. Use calm, steady language: 'I am so glad you told me. This is not your fault at all.'
- 2. If the image has not already been viewed, do not open it. If it has been seen, do not save, forward, or share it. Depending on the nature of the image, saving or distributing it may itself be a criminal offence.
- 3. Before deleting anything, take screenshots of the message thread, the sender's profile, their username, and any relevant metadata such as timestamps. Note the platform, date, and time of receipt.
- 4. Use the platform's built-in reporting tools to report the sender. Most platforms have a specific option for unsolicited explicit content. Block the sender after reporting.
- 5. If the image appears to show a child under 18, report immediately to the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) at iwf.org.uk — do not delay. If the sender is known to your child or you believe your child may be at risk of further contact, report to CEOP at ceop.police.uk. For immediate danger, call 999.
Do NOT do this:
- ✗ Do not delete the messages or block the sender before preserving evidence — you may need this for a report.
- ✗ Do not forward the image to anyone, including the police or school, unless specifically instructed to do so by authorities.
- ✗ Do not minimise the incident — even if your child appears unbothered, check in with them over the following days.
Stay calm. You are doing the right thing by looking for help. Your child needs your support, not your panic.
Last reviewed: 2026-04-01