What Is 'Sextortion' – And How Can You Keep Your Children Safe Online?

BBC News

16-05-2025

Children are being blackmailed online using intimate pictures in a disturbing crime known as 'sextortion'.
With cases on the rise, the National Crime Agency has launched a new campaign to raise awareness and help families stay safe. Here's what every parent, grandparent and carer needs to know.
What is 'sextortion'?
Sextortion is a form of online blackmail. Criminals trick victims into sharing sexual images or videos of themselves, and then use those images to threaten, manipulate or extort the person, often demanding money or more explicit material.These crimes are frequently carried out by organised groups abroad, operating from call centres or using paid actors to pose as someone the victim may be romantically interested in.Many victims are coerced into performing sexual acts on webcam, unaware they are being recorded. The footage is then used to blackmail the victim, with threats to share it online or with their family and friends.
Why would a child share intimate images?
It's easy to judge, but not all children are coerced. Many share images because they want to impress, flirt, or feel included.Sometimes they think they're in a trusting relationship. Others may feel peer pressure, or worry about being excluded if they don't join in.Regardless of the reason, a child is never to blame if they are blackmailed online.
How can parents and carers talk about this?
Marc recommends regular, non-judgemental conversations about online behaviour. You don't need to be an expert, just start with stories from the news, or ask what your child thinks.If your child is reluctant to open up, make sure they know what warning signs to look out for:Red Flags for Online BlackmailMoving too fast: Someone quickly forms a close 'connection'.Asking for personal details: Like where they live or go to school.Sending sexual images: Or asking for one in return.Pressure and anxiety: Making them feel scared or guilty."Even if your child doesn't open up straight away, giving them the tools to spot danger could protect them down the line," Marc says.
What should you do if sextortion happens?
Steps to Take if Your Child Is a VictimReassure them - let them know they've done the right thing by telling you — and it's not their fault.Don't respond to threats - stop all communication with the blackmailer.Block the account - on all platforms used by the blackmailer.Keep evidence - save screenshots, messages, or usernames that could help police.Report it:📞 Police, external (101 or 999 in emergencies)🌐 CEOP, external (if the child is under 18)Get images taken down:Use Report Remove, external by Childline and the Internet Watch Foundation for under-18s.
What about adult victims?
A BBC viewer, Jane, emailed to say she received a threatening email claiming to have hacked her webcam while she visited adult websites — something she insists never happened. The sender demanded £1,400 in cryptocurrency.Marc reassures victims that this is a common scam:"Scammers are banking on fear. It's incredibly unlikely that they'll have access to your device or any real evidence. If they did, they wouldn't waste time chasing small sums from ordinary people."While it may feel real, especially when family members are mentioned, it's important not to panic:If You've Been Targeted as an AdultDelete the email – Do not engage or respond.Report the scam – Forward the email to: [e-mail] you've paid, report it to Police on 101 and contact your bank. Under the new Reimbursement Model, you may be entitled to get your money back.
More Support and Resources
If you or someone you know has been affected by online blackmail or sextortion, help is available:🔗 BBC Action Line – Online Safety🔗 CEOP – Child Exploitation and Online Protection, external🔗 Childline Report Remove, external🔗 National Cyber Security Centre – Report a Scam, external🔗 Resources for children - BBC Teach