You are not in trouble
Whatever happened, you are not the one who did something wrong. Read this part first, because it's the part people get wrong.
- Nobody is going to take your phone or delete your account.
- You are not the first person this happened to. Not close.
- It gets better fast once one adult knows. Usually within a day.
If someone is threatening to post pictures
- Don't send more. It never stops after one. It has never once stopped after one.
- Don't pay. Not money, not gift cards, not anything.
- Don't delete the messages. That's the proof it happened.
- Stop replying. You don't owe them an answer.
- Tell one adult tonight. Any adult. Keep reading for who.
Pictures can come down. Go to takeitdown.ncmec.org — it's free, it's for people under 18, and you don't have to upload the picture anywhere. It works even if the picture is fake or AI-made.
Who to tell
Pick whoever you'd actually talk to. It does not have to be a parent.
- Your school counselor. This is their whole job and they've heard it before.
- A teacher or coach you like
- An aunt, uncle, grandparent, or older cousin
- A friend's parent
- Someone at your church
You don't have to explain it well. "Something happened online and I don't know what to do" is enough. Say that and stop. They'll ask.
If you'd rather talk to a stranger
Call or text 988. Any time, free. They talk to people your age constantly.
Call 1-800-843-5678. This one is specifically for stuff that happens online.
If you're thinking about hurting yourself
Call or text 988 right now. Not later, not after you figure something out. Right now. This feeling is temporary even when it is not remotely close to feeling temporary.
Leaving this page fast
The red button at the top closes this site right away. You can also hit Esc twice. It won't erase your history — if you need that, use a private window next time.