Emergency
If your child is in immediate physical danger, call emergency services first.
999 / 112
Emergency action guide
Something happened. Here's what to do.
Choose the situation below and follow the steps in order. You don't need to know everything โ€” just take it one step at a time.
What happened?
๐Ÿ’ฌ
An adult is messaging my child inappropriately
๐Ÿ“ท
I found explicit images on my child's device
๐Ÿ˜”
My child is being bullied or harassed online
๐ŸŽฎ
My child shared private info or images with someone
๐Ÿ“
My child wants to meet someone they met online
You're already doing the right thing.
Finding out about a threat to your child is frightening โ€” but the fact that you're here means you're taking action. Stay calm, follow the steps below, and remember: this is not your fault or your child's fault.
1
Stay calm before you speak to your child
Do this first
Your reaction in the next few minutes will shape whether your child feels safe enough to tell you everything. Children often go silent or minimise what happened if they sense anger or panic โ€” even when it isn't directed at them.
Take a few deep breaths before engaging. Step away briefly if you need to.
Do not express anger, blame, or disbelief โ€” even if you're shocked. Your child needs to know they won't be in trouble.
Put down your phone. Give your child your full, calm attention.
What to say when you approach them
"I want to talk to you about something I noticed, and I want you to know that whatever happened, I'm not angry with you. You're not in trouble. I just want to make sure you're okay."
2
Preserve the evidence โ€” do not delete anything
Before reporting
Evidence is what makes reports actionable. Even if the content is disturbing, deleting it before authorities have seen it can prevent prosecution. Capture everything first.
Important: Do not forward, share, or upload images of a child that could be considered sexual โ€” even to report them. Instead, report directly to the platform or authorities who have secure channels for this.
Screenshot conversations โ€” include the contact's username, profile picture, and timestamps. On most phones: press Volume Down + Power button simultaneously.
Note the platform, app name, and any usernames or account URLs โ€” write them down or photograph the screen showing profile details.
Do not block or unfriend the account yet โ€” this can alert the perpetrator and they may delete their account before it's investigated.
Back up screenshots to a separate device, email, or cloud folder so they cannot be accidentally deleted.
3
Have a calm, open conversation with your child
Take your time
Your goal here is to understand what happened โ€” not to interrogate. Children often feel shame, especially if they were groomed into thinking the relationship was normal. Reassure them first, gather facts second.
Start by listening, not questioning. Let them speak without interruption.
Avoid "why did you do that?" โ€” instead ask "can you tell me what happened?" and "how long has this been going on?"
Repeat clearly that this is not their fault โ€” adults who target children online are skilled at making children feel responsible.
Tell them what you plan to do next โ€” children feel more secure when they understand what happens now.
Script for all scenarios
"None of this is your fault. Adults who do this are very good at tricking young people โ€” it's what they do. I'm proud of you for telling me, and together we're going to sort this out. Here's what we'll do next..."
4
Report to the platform โ€” use their official channel
Takes 5โ€“10 min
Every major platform has a dedicated child safety reporting channel. Use the direct links below โ€” these go to the correct team, not a general support queue. Report first, then block.
Report before you block. Blocking the account first may prevent the platform from being able to investigate properly.
Platform not listed? Search "[platform name] child safety report" and use the official help centre link only.
5
Report to the authorities โ€” this is what they're for
Do not skip this
Many parents hesitate to involve police, worried it will traumatise their child or go nowhere. In most countries, online grooming, CSAM, and sextortion are serious criminal offences โ€” and reports lead to action. You do not need to have all the answers to file a report.
Contact your local police โ€” tell them it involves a child and online contact. Ask to speak to someone in the cyber or child protection unit.
Bring your screenshots and notes about usernames, platforms, and dates.
You can also report to a national body โ€” these are often faster for online cases:
6
Get support โ€” for your child and for yourself
Ongoing
The immediate crisis is handled. Now the most important thing is your child's recovery โ€” and yours. Children who have experienced online exploitation can recover well when they feel believed, supported, and not defined by what happened.
Keep talking. Check in with your child daily โ€” not about the incident, but about how they're feeling. "How are you doing today?" is enough.
Watch for changes: withdrawal, sleep problems, refusing to use devices or conversely being obsessive about them. These can be normal responses to stress.
Consider talking to your child's school โ€” they can provide additional support and monitor for any related bullying.
Seek professional help if needed. A child psychologist or counsellor experienced with online harm can make a significant difference. Ask your GP or paediatrician for a referral.
Look after yourself too. Discovering your child was targeted is traumatic for parents. Talk to someone you trust, or contact a parent support line.
Something to say each day
"I want you to know that what happened doesn't change anything about how I see you. You're still you, and I love you. And whenever you're ready to talk โ€” or not talk โ€” I'm here."
You've done everything right. Reporting it, talking to your child, and seeking help โ€” that's exactly what good parents do. The fact that this happened is not a reflection of your parenting.
Emergency helplines
Police / Emergency
999 / 112
Immediate danger only
Talian Kasih
15999
Free ยท 24/7 ยท Malaysia
MCMC Aduan
1800 888 030
Online safety ยท Malaysia
IWF Hotline
iwf.org.uk/report
CSAM reports ยท Global
Your progress
Stay calmPending
Preserve evidencePending
Talk to childPending
Report to platformPending
Report to authoritiesPending
Get supportPending
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After this
Platform safety settings guide
Age-by-age conversation guides
Local helplines & contacts
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