Ways to Get Help

Get emotional and mental health support

The Mix is the UK’s leading support service for young people. They are here to help you take on any challenge you’re facing.

Visit The Mix to learn more

Report

You can report online child sexual abuse images and videos. We know that seeing images and videos of child sexual abuse online is upsetting. But if you stumble across it, report it to IWF.

Visit IWF to learn more

Be safe online

Navigating the internet is tricky. Thinkuknow has information which can be helpful.

Visit Thinkuknow to learn more

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, please call 999.

  • Photos and videos that you receive or try to send that may contain nudity are blurred by your device in selected Apple apps. Apple cannot access these photos and videos. You decide whether to open or send them.

    Before opening a blurred photo or video:

    • Ask yourself: “Do I know and trust this person?” If not, delete it.
    • Tell a trusted adult if you feel pressured or intimidated, or if the photo or video is from an adult.

    Before sending a nude photo or video:

    • Ask yourself: “Is someone pressuring me to share it?” If so, don’t send it. Get help from a trusted adult.
    • Once you send a photo or video, it could be forwarded or posted publicly.
    • Never share nude or intimate photos of other people. It’s a betrayal of trust.

    Remember:

    • Sending nude photos or videos isn’t necessary for a good relationship.
    • Just because you trust someone now doesn’t mean you’ll trust them in the future.
    • If you lose control of your photo or video, there are people and resources to help you.

Learn More

  • To stay safe online:

    • Be careful about interacting online with people you don’t know in person. They may not be who they say they are.
    • Avoid sending or exchanging nude or intimate photos or videos, and avoid conversations that are sexual in nature, especially with adults or people you don’t know in person.
    • If someone harasses you sexually or solicits nude photos or videos, save the evidence, report the content, block or mute the account, and tell a trusted adult.
    • Avoid in-person meetings with people you meet online.
    • Don’t measure your life based on what others post.
    • Be honest about your age when signing up for apps that ask for it. Some apps have built-in protections for teens.
    • Think carefully before sharing personal information about yourself, family members and friends.
    • Use strong and unique passwords, and don’t share them. When possible, use two-factor authentication and fingerprint or facial recognition.
    • Know how to block and report posts, conversations or people that make you uncomfortable.
    • Don’t post anything that might embarrass you now or in the future.
    • Treat people respectfully, and don’t respond to mean or disrespectful comments.

  • People who want to abuse you sexually may start by befriending you to gain your trust. It’s called grooming. Be on the lookout for warning signs of grooming.

    The person might:

    • Try to establish a close friendship with you quickly.
    • Contact you on multiple apps.
    • Message you a lot.
    • Ask you to engage in a live chat, video or voice conversation.
    • Give you money or gifts and ask you to hide them.
    • Attempt to isolate you from friends or family.
    • Talk about romance, love or sex.
    • Request nude or sexually explicit photos or videos.
    • Ask you to hide the relationship from friends or family.
    • Blame you for what’s happening.
    • Claim that you will get into trouble if you tell anyone.
    • Threaten to hurt you, your family, a pet or other loved ones if you say anything.
    • Try to convince you to feel sorry for them.

    If you notice any of these signs, it’s not your fault. Get help from a trusted adult.

  • If someone is repeatedly mean to you or others online, that’s cyberbullying. Imagery containing nudity can be used to bully. It’s not your fault. No one deserves to be treated cruelly or made to feel uncomfortable.

    If you are being cyberbullied:

    • Stay calm, and don’t retaliate. Responding in anger can escalate and prolong the situation.
    • You do not need to respond. If someone sends you an inappropriate image or content that makes you uncomfortable, you can get help.
    • Ask the person to stop. If they don’t, block or mute the account.
    • Save the evidence. Take a screenshot of the content. Report the content, and block or mute the account. If you think the person goes to your school, you can report the cyberbullying to a teacher, the school counsellor or the head teacher.
    • Reach out for help. Talk to a trusted adult and friends for support.

    If you’re aware of someone being cyberbullied:

    • Keep cool. You can stand up for a friend, but never retaliate.
    • Show your support. If possible, send a kind message to the person being cyberbullied.
    • If the targeted person goes to your school, let them know you’re there for them.

Additional Resources for Grown‑ups