Your Child is Being Impersonated Online
Discovering someone is impersonating your child online is frightening and overwhelming. Whether it's cyberbullying, a cruel prank, or something more serious, this guide will help you protect your child and stop the impersonation quickly.
You're Not Alone
Many children experience some form of online impersonation or cyberbullying. The good news: platforms take child safety seriously and parents have powerful tools to fight back. Let's protect your child together.
Immediate Actions (First 24 Hours)
Stay Calm & Document
Take screenshots of everything before it disappears
- •Screenshot the fake profile and all posts
- •Save any messages or comments
- •Document follower lists if accessible
- •Record URLs and account names
Talk to Your Child
Open, supportive conversation is crucial
- •Stay calm and reassuring
- •Ask if they know who might be doing this
- •Check if they've shared passwords
- •Discuss any bullying situations
Secure Real Accounts
Prevent further damage immediately
- •Change all passwords together
- •Enable two-factor authentication
- •Review privacy settings
- •Check for unauthorized logins
Contact School
If classmates are involved, schools must act
- •Speak with counselor or principal
- •Provide evidence of impersonation
- •Request intervention if it's a student
- •Document school's response
URGENT: AI-Generated Content of Minors
A new threat in 2025: AI tools creating realistic fake content of children. This is illegal in most jurisdictions and platforms are implementing emergency measures.
Immediate Actions
- • Report to NCMEC CyberTipline immediately
- • Contact FBI IC3.gov for federal help
- • Save all evidence before deletion
- • Do NOT share or forward content
- • Seek trauma counseling for child
Platform Responses
- • Priority removal within hours
- • Hash matching to prevent re-upload
- • Law enforcement cooperation
- • Counseling resources provided
- • Legal support connections
Platform Policies for Minors
Important: All major platforms prohibit users under 13. If your child is under 13 and has an account, report this immediately for fastest removal.
Parental Rights:
Parents can report on behalf of children under 13
How to Report:
Report → It's inappropriate → Impersonation → Someone I know
💡 Removes accounts of users under 13 immediately
TikTok
Age 13+Parental Rights:
Guardian reports given priority for minors
How to Report:
Report → Impersonation → Report account
💡 Has dedicated minor safety team
Snapchat
Age 13+Parental Rights:
Parents can request immediate removal
How to Report:
Report → Impersonation → Someone else
💡 Fast response for minor safety issues
Parental Rights:
Legal guardian can file reports
How to Report:
Help Center → Report Impersonation
💡 May require ID verification
Is This Cyberbullying? Warning Signs
Impersonation is often part of a larger cyberbullying campaign. Watch for these signs that your child needs additional support:
Sudden Social Withdrawal
HIGHChild avoids friends or social situations
Emotional Distress After Device Use
HIGHUpset, angry, or sad after checking phone
Secretive Behavior
MEDIUMHides screen, deletes history, new accounts
Sleep or Appetite Changes
HIGHTrouble sleeping, eating more or less
School Performance Drop
HIGHGrades falling, skipping school
Loss of Interest
MEDIUMNo longer enjoys favorite activities
Legal Options for Parents
File a Police Report
When to Use:
If threats, harassment, or sexual content involved
What It Does:
Local police can investigate cyberbullying and identity theft
You'll Need:
Screenshots, dates, account information
Contact a Lawyer
When to Use:
Serious harm or persistent harassment
What It Does:
Civil suits possible for damages, restraining orders
You'll Need:
All evidence, police reports, school correspondence
Report to IC3
When to Use:
Interstate or serious cybercrimes
What It Does:
FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center
You'll Need:
Detailed complaint with all evidence
Restraining Order
When to Use:
Known perpetrator won't stop
What It Does:
Legal protection from contact
You'll Need:
Evidence of repeated harassment
Supporting Your Child Emotionally
Validate Their Feelings
Let them know it's not their fault and their feelings are valid
Avoid: Don't minimize or blame them
Maintain Open Communication
Regular check-ins without being overbearing
Avoid: Don't interrogate or invade privacy
Consider Professional Help
Therapists specializing in cyberbullying can help
Avoid: Don't wait if you see serious distress
Rebuild Confidence
Focus on their strengths and real friendships
Avoid: Don't dwell only on the negative
Preventing Future Impersonation
Digital Safety Checklist
Privacy Settings
- ✓Set all accounts to private
- ✓Approve followers manually
- ✓Disable location sharing
- ✓Turn off message requests
Safe Practices
- ✓Unique passwords for each app
- ✓Never share passwords
- ✓Regular account checkups
- ✓Report suspicious activity
Helpful Resources
Crisis Support
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741
Cyberbullying Hotline
1-800-420-1479