Sextortion is one of the fastest-growing online threats targeting children and teenagers in the UK — yet most parents have never heard the term. This guide explains exactly what it is, how it happens, and what you can do right now to protect your family.
What is Sexstortion
Sextortion is a form of online blackmail in which a criminal coerces a child or young person into sharing explicit images or videos of themselves — and then threatens to distribute those images unless the victim pays money, sends more content, or complies with further demands.
It is a crime under UK law. It causes serious psychological harm. And it is more common than most people realise. The Internet Watch Foundation reports year-on-year increases in child sexual abuse material produced through online coercion. The National Crime Agency has issued multiple warnings about organised criminal networks — many operating from overseas — deliberately targeting British teenagers.
How to Approach
Stage 1 — The approach: A stranger contacts your child on social media, gaming platforms, or messaging apps. They present as attractive, friendly, and interested — claiming to be a peer, model scout, or romantic interest.
Stage 2 — Trust building: Over days or weeks they build a relationship. Warm, complimentary, persistent. They may send images of themselves (typically stolen from other accounts) to create false reciprocity.
Stage 3 — The request: They ask for an image or video, framed as normal, romantic, or 'just between us.' The child, believing they're in a genuine connection, complies.