Online sextortion, the crime of threatening to share sexual images of a person unless they provide more content or money, is rising at alarming rates, targeting children and teenagers across the globe. Recent reports from child protection agencies and law enforcement show just how severe the problem has become.
The Numbers Behind the Crisis
In the UK alone, tech companies recorded over 9,600 grooming cases in just six months. Globally, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) saw a 192% increase in sextortion reports, with more than 546,000 cases recorded in a single year.
Certain platforms stand out in the data. Snapchat accounted for 20,000 incidents, more than all other social media platforms combined in some reports, highlighting how predators often choose apps popular with young users.
How Sextortion Works
Sextortion typically follows a predictable pattern:
- The Approach – Offenders often pose as peers, using fake profiles to gain trust.
- The Request – They encourage the target to share private photos or videos.
- The Threat – Once content is shared, threats begin. Offenders demand more explicit material or money, claiming they will expose the victim to friends, family, or online networks.
- Escalation – In many cases, demands intensify, leading to severe emotional harm.
The Human Impact
This crime leaves deep emotional scars. Victims often feel trapped, ashamed, or too scared to speak up. The psychological toll can include anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Boys, once thought to be less targeted, are increasingly becoming victims.
Experts warn that shame and fear often keep victims from seeking help, giving offenders more time to manipulate and control them.
What Parents and Teens Can Do
While tech companies and law enforcement are working to address the issue, prevention and open communication remain critical.
Here are three immediate steps if sextortion occurs:
- Do Not Comply – Sending more content or money fuels the abuse.
- Save All Evidence – Screenshots, usernames, and message logs can help in investigations.
- Report and Get Support – Tell a trusted adult and report to both the platform and law enforcement. In the U.S., cases can be reported at CyberTipline.org.