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Alarming Trends

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) reports thousands of cases of child sextortion every year*, and many go unreported due to shame or fear. Perpetrators often find victims on social media, messaging apps, or online games. Consequences can be dire; some victims have committed suicide, not knowing that there are resources to help.

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Online Solicitation & Sextortion

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Understanding Online Offenders : Protecting Kids from Digital Manipulation

Online predators are real. They may pose as peers, celebrities, or mentors to trick kids and teens into sharing explicit images or personal information, later using that material for blackmail—a crime known as sextortion.

What Parents Should Know

Predators often manipulate kids into silence. Regular conversations about online interactions, and making it clear that victims are not to blame, can break this cycle. Fostering safe spaces and supportive relationships can encourage youth not to keep serious situations secret. Knowing the signs of grooming and suspicious behavior is another key to prevention.

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Never send explicit photos or videos

Even if the person seems trustworthy, these can be used against you.

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Anyone can lie online

Be skeptical of people asking for private details or flattery that seems too good to be true.

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You’re not alone

If someone threatens or pressures you, talk to an adult—fast.

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Block them and report the account.

Don’t engage

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It’s not your fault

If you’ve been manipulated, you are a victim—not to blame. Help is available.

Tools to Shield Yourself Online

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Sextortion - What Parents Should Know (PDF)

  • A concise guide explaining sextortion, signs to watch for, and how to respond.

  • Target: Parents and guardians

See Resource
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It's Called Sextortion - Discussion Guide (PDF)

  • Discussion Guide meant for schools, classrooms, or youth centers to raise awareness.

  • Helps facilitators guide youth discussions around digital exploitation scenarios.

  • Target: Educators, youth leaders, parents

See Resource
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NoFiltr

  • A youth-led digital safety initiative from Thorn that provides resources, peer advice, and educational tools to help teens recognize and navigate online risks while promoting open, judgment-free conversations.

  • Target: Youth and teens

See Resource
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Sextortion Discussion Guide

  • Helps parents understand how sextortion can unfold, and offers practical guidance on initiating calm, nonjudgmental dialogue to support teens in similar situations.

  • Target: Parents and guardians

See Resource
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Sextortion: Online Coercion and Blackmail (Video)

  • Amaze takes the awkward out of sex ed by offering medically accurate, age-appropriate education for young adolescents.

  • This video covers the topic of sextortion.

  • Target: All audiences.

See Resource
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Cyber Civil Rights - Existing Laws

  • A  state-by-state directory detailing current laws on nonconsensual distribution of intimate images (NDII), deepfake media, and sextortion.

  • Allows users to explore how each jurisdiction addresses these digital harms.

  • Target: All audiences.

See Resource

*Source: 

NCMEC Releases New Sextortion Data. (n.d.). National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. https://www.missingkids.org/blog/2024/ncmec-releases-new-sextortion-data

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