Recognize pressure and threats

NCMEC describes sextortion as an offender using sexual images or videos to demand money, further images, or other actions. Threats can escalate quickly. NCMEC advises seeking help, reporting the account, and not paying or sending more content.

An online relationship that brings pressure, secrecy, or threats is a reason to talk with a trusted adult. Use NCMEC's resources for specific guidance about sextortion and reporting.

Source: NCMEC: Sextortion

Use official support

  • Immediate danger in the United States: call 911.
  • Suspected child sexual exploitation: report through NCMEC's CyberTipline.
  • Online-safety education: explore NCMEC's NetSmartz resources.
  • Images taken before age 18: learn about NCMEC's Take It Down service.

Do not send explicit images to Love a Life or post them publicly. Follow the instructions of the official reporting service.

What Take It Down can do

NCMEC's free Take It Down service can help limit the spread of nude or sexually explicit images taken when a person was under 18. It works with participating public or unencrypted platforms; it is not a guarantee of removal everywhere.

The service creates a digital fingerprint on the device. The image stays on that device. NCMEC says to use only files already on your device: do not download, send, or share an image to use the service.

Source: NCMEC: Take It Down

Keep the door open

A helpful message is simple: 'I am glad you told me. You deserve help. We can take the next step together.' Return to online-safety conversations regularly instead of making them a one-time warning.

Love a Life's Cyber Guardians work supports responsible research and referral. Families should use official reporting channels for a suspected crime rather than waiting for an organizational inquiry to be answered.

Questions, answered.

Should I upload explicit images to Love a Life?

No. Do not send explicit images through our contact form or email. Use NCMEC's official reporting resources and follow their instructions.

Does Take It Down remove an image from the entire internet?

No. It works with participating platforms and has limits. Read NCMEC's current service information before using it.

Published by Love a Life. External resources checked October 22, 2026.