My Child Has Sent a Private or Intimate Image
Your child has sent a nude, semi-nude, or sexually suggestive image or video of themselves to another person — whether a peer, an online contact, or someone they believed was trustworthy.
Learning that your child has shared an intimate image is one of the most distressing things a parent can face. It is natural to feel panicked, but your child needs you to be their anchor right now. They are likely already feeling deeply embarrassed, frightened, or ashamed. Your calm, non-judgemental response will determine whether they trust you to help them through this.
What to do now
Reassure First
Tell your child clearly: 'I am not angry with you. We are going to sort this out together.' They may be terrified of your reaction. Making them feel safe is the first priority.
✗ Do not: Do not say things like 'How could you do this?' or 'What were you thinking?' — they already know, and shame will only push them away.
Understand What Was Shared and With Whom
Gently ask your child who the image was sent to, on which platform, and whether it has been shared further. You need these details to take effective action, but let your child share at their own pace.
Use Platform Reporting and Removal Tools
Most major platforms will remove intimate images of minors when reported. Use the Childline/IWF 'Report Remove' tool, which is specifically designed to help under-18s get intimate images removed from the internet.
Report to CEOP if an Adult Was Involved
If the image was sent to an adult, or if an adult solicited or pressured your child into sending it, report to CEOP immediately. This is a criminal matter and professionals will handle the investigation.
Support Your Child Emotionally
Over the coming days and weeks, keep checking in. Your child may experience anxiety, shame, or fear about the image resurfacing. Consider whether professional counselling might help, and let your child know Childline is available for confidential support.
What not to do
- ✗Do not view, save, or forward the image yourself — possessing an intimate image of a minor is a criminal offence, even for parents.
- ✗Do not contact the recipient directly to demand deletion — this could escalate the situation or alert them to the image's value.
- ✗Do not punish your child by removing all devices — they need access to support services and will feel this is retribution for being honest.
- ✗Do not assume the worst. Many young people share images within what they believed was a trusting relationship. Focus on support, not blame.
Preserving evidence
Why this matters
If you need to report to authorities or a platform, evidence can help.
- •Note the platform, date, time, and the username of the person the image was sent to — but do not screenshot the image itself.
- •If the image has been shared further, note every platform and username where it has appeared.
- •Keep a written timeline of events to share with CEOP or the police if needed.
How to talk to your child
- ✓Separate the behaviour from your child's worth — say 'Sending that image was a mistake, but you are not a bad person' rather than labelling them.
- ✓Acknowledge that peer pressure, curiosity, and manipulation are real factors — your child may have been coerced or felt they had no choice.
- ✓Discuss how they can handle similar pressure in the future, but save this conversation for later — right now, they need comfort, not a lesson.
Who to contact
Childline / IWF Report Remove Tool
To get intimate images of under-18s removed from the internet
Online tool available 24/7
CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection)
If an adult solicited, received, or shared the image
Online reporting available 24/7
NSPCC Helpline
For advice and emotional support for parents
24/7, 365 days a year
Childline
For children and young people to talk confidentially
24/7, 365 days a year
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 Has Sent a Private or Intimate Image
My Child Has Sent a Private or Intimate Image — Quick Reference
Safe Child Guide — safechildguide.com
Do this:
- 1. Tell your child clearly: 'I am not angry with you. We are going to sort this out together.' They may be terrified of your reaction. Making them feel safe is the first priority.
- 2. Gently ask your child who the image was sent to, on which platform, and whether it has been shared further. You need these details to take effective action, but let your child share at their own pace.
- 3. Most major platforms will remove intimate images of minors when reported. Use the Childline/IWF 'Report Remove' tool, which is specifically designed to help under-18s get intimate images removed from the internet.
- 4. If the image was sent to an adult, or if an adult solicited or pressured your child into sending it, report to CEOP immediately. This is a criminal matter and professionals will handle the investigation.
- 5. Over the coming days and weeks, keep checking in. Your child may experience anxiety, shame, or fear about the image resurfacing. Consider whether professional counselling might help, and let your child know Childline is available for confidential support.
Do NOT do this:
- ✗ Do not view, save, or forward the image yourself — possessing an intimate image of a minor is a criminal offence, even for parents.
- ✗ Do not contact the recipient directly to demand deletion — this could escalate the situation or alert them to the image's value.
- ✗ Do not punish your child by removing all devices — they need access to support services and will feel this is retribution for being honest.
- ✗ Do not assume the worst. Many young people share images within what they believed was a trusting relationship. Focus on support, not blame.
Stay calm. You are doing the right thing by looking for help. Your child needs your support, not your panic.
Last reviewed: 2026-03-01