Sextortion: How to Protect and Support Your Child
What Is Sextortion?
Sextortion is a form of sexual exploitation where someone threatens to share images, videos, or private information to pressure a child or teen into sending more sexual content, money, or complying with other demands. It often begins online and can escalate quickly.
Children may not realize they are being targeted until the threats begin and many feel scared, ashamed, or afraid of getting in trouble.
How Sextortion Happens
Sextortion can occur through:
Fake profiles or people pretending to be peers
Online gaming platforms, social media, messaging apps, or video chats
Grooming that starts with friendly or flirtatious conversations
Requests for “just one picture” that escalate over time
Threats to share images with friends, family, or school contacts
Offenders often gather personal information about a child online to make their threats feel more real.
Warning Signs of Sextortion
Emotional & Behavioral Changes:
Sudden withdrawal from family, friends, or activities they once enjoyed
Increased anxiety, sadness, irritability, fear, or mood swings
Panic, distress, or strong emotional reactions after being online
Physical complaints like headaches or stomachaches
Sleep disturbances, nightmares, or insomnia
Dropping grades or avoiding school
Online & Technical Red Flags:
Becoming secretive with devices or hiding screens
Frequently changing passwords or deleting chat histories
Using apps designed to hide photos or messages
Sudden intense or exclusive online relationships
Being pressured to move conversations to private or encrypted apps
Suddenly quitting a game or app they previously used
Avoiding video or camera use, sometimes due to fear of being watched or recorded
Financial & Social Warning Signs:
Asking for money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency
Unexplained cash or gifts
Signs of fear or urgency around money
Being pressured into harmful acts, including self-harm
What Parents Can Do to Help
Start with open, calm conversations about online safety and boundaries. Let your child know they can always come to you and that they will never be blamed or punished for asking for help. Remind your child often: this isn’t their fault, and they don’t have to handle it alone.
You can also help prevent harm by staying aware of the apps, games, and platforms your child uses, setting strong privacy and security controls, and keeping devices up to date. Encourage your child to protect their personal information and remind them that images shared online can be difficult to take back.
If You Suspect Sextortion
Do not delete messages, images, or accounts - preserve evidence.
Do not engage with or comply with the offender, cut off communication.
Report to:
Local law enforcement
FBI: 1-800-CALL-FBI or https://tips.fbi.gov/home
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: 1-800-THE-LOST or visit www.cybertipline.org
You can also reach out to us at the Children’s Advocacy Center for guidance, support, and next steps.
Helpful Resources
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC)
www.missingkids.org/theissues/sextortion
NCMEC provides trusted information about sextortion, including how it happens, warning signs to watch for, and what steps to take if your child is being targeted. They also operate the CyberTipline, where online exploitation can be reported and investigated.
NetSmartz® (Online Safety Education)
NetSmartz is an education program from NCMEC designed to help children, teens, and caregivers navigate online spaces safely. It offers age-appropriate videos, activities, and conversation starters to help families talk about digital safety, boundaries, and healthy online behavior.
Take It Down
Take It Down is a free, confidential service that helps remove or stop the spread of nude or sexually explicit images or videos of minors shared online. Families can submit images securely without uploading the content itself, helping protect a child’s privacy and reduce harm.
Team HOPE
https://www.missingkids.org/gethelpnow/support/teamhope
Team HOPE connects families with trained peer support volunteers who have experienced similar situations. They offer emotional support, guidance, and understanding to parents and caregivers navigating the aftermath of online exploitation or abuse.