Emergency Support & Crisis Hotlines
Immediate help when someone needs it most.
In immediate danger? Call 911 (US) or your local emergency number. If you suspect a child is being sexually exploited online, report to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) CyberTipline.
Crisis Text Line
For emotional distress, crisis, or bullying support
Text: HOME to 741741
Available 24/7, free and confidential
Can help with: Emotional distress, bullying, depression, anxiety, self-harm thoughts
NCMEC CyberTipline
For reporting suspected child sexual exploitation online
Online Report: CyberTipline.org
Or Call: 1-800-843-5678
Available 24/7; coordinates with law enforcement on eligible reports
Official scope: Online child sexual exploitation and abuse material
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
For suicide, self-harm, or crisis support
Call or Text: 988
24/7, free and confidential
Available for: Suicide risk, self-harm thoughts, mental health crisis
Childhelp Abuse Hotline
For child abuse, neglect, or family safety
Call: 1-800-422-4453
24/7, confidential, multilingual
Offers: Counseling, resources, and guidance for child safety
RAINN Sexual Assault
For sexual assault or abuse support
Call: 1-800-656-4673 (HOPE)
Or Text: HOPE to 64673
24/7, confidential
Provides: Confidential support for sexual assault and abuse survivors
When to Call vs. Text vs. Report Online
Call When:
- Someone is in immediate danger
- Someone is having thoughts of suicide
- You suspect abuse or exploitation happening now
- You need to report a crime
Text When:
- Someone feels safer texting (more private)
- It's during school/work and calling isn't possible
- Someone is struggling emotionally
- You need to talk but can't make a voice call
Report Online When:
- You have screenshots of exploitation
- You want to document predatory messages
- You need a formal report for law enforcement
- You prefer detailed written documentation
Important to Know
- Cost, privacy, and confidentiality policies vary by service and circumstance. Check the service's official information if you have questions about what applies to your situation.
- Text lines are staffed by real people, not bots. They're trained in crisis support and genuinely care.
- You don't need to have proof or be sure of the details to call or text. If you're concerned, that's reason enough to reach out.
- If you're not sure what to do next, visit Something Happened? for situation-specific guidance on responding to online incidents.
- CyberTipline reports: The NCMEC CyberTipline accepts reports of suspected online child sexual exploitation and coordinates with law enforcement.