An intimate image of a youth was shared or threatened. What should a caregiver do first?

Information reviewed September 2026. Platforms, reporting tools, school policy and online-harm tactics can change quickly, so use the linked PEI or Canadian source when current steps matter.

Stay calm when the youth tells you.

Public Safety Canada advises caregivers not to scold or punish a young person for disclosing online sexual exploitation or cyberbullying. A teen who expects anger may hide the situation longer, especially when they already feel ashamed or afraid.

Do not forward the image around to prove what happened.

Record useful details such as usernames, links, dates, threatening messages and where the content appeared. Avoid unnecessary copying, downloading or forwarding of sexual images involving a minor. If police or Cybertip.ca become involved, ask what evidence they need and how it should be preserved.

Cybertip.ca and NeedHelpNow.ca have different roles.

Canadian law addresses non-consensual intimate-image distribution.

Cybertip.ca explains that knowingly distributing an intimate image of another person without consent can be a Criminal Code offence. Community Legal Information PEI also provides PEI-specific plain-language information on sexting, consent and what to do when intimate images are shared.

Community Legal Information PEI

AI-generated or edited sexual images can still cause real harm.

The Canadian Centre for Child Protection updated its school guidance in 2026 to include intimate images that are real, edited or created using AI. In 2025, Cybertip.ca received 527 youth reports involving non-consensual distribution of intimate images, including 19 incidents facilitated by AI.

Canadian Centre for Child Protection: image-based abuse in the AI era

If school peers are involved, the school needs to know.

Ask for a plan addressing student safety, rumours, retaliation, classes, transportation, activities and regular check-ins. The young person should not have to explain the incident repeatedly to multiple staff members.

See the PEI school-response guide

Watch mental health closely after an image incident.

Image-based abuse can feel impossible to escape because the youth may not know who has seen the content or where it will appear next. If the young person expresses hopelessness, suicide thoughts or self-harm, use urgent mental-health support. Call 9-1-1 for immediate danger, or 9-8-8 for suicide crisis support.