Understanding Sextortion
Sextortion is a form of online abuse where a person threatens to share sexual images or information unless demands are met. Most victims are tricked or manipulated into sending content. The abuser then uses fear and shame to maintain control.
This guide is here to help you respond, calmly, clearly, and with care.
First, Stay Grounded
Your child may feel frightened, ashamed, or convinced they’ve done something terribly
wrong. You don’t need to have all the answers right away—but your presence and reassurance are vital.
“You are not alone. This is not your fault. I’m here with you.”
Avoid reacting with panic or blame. Take a deep breath, sit with them, and begin working through what comes next, together.
What You Should Do Immediately
Do not respond to the offender.
Do not send money, do not negotiate, and do not delete messages or content just yet.
Gather evidence.
Save screenshots of chats, usernames, images, and any threats. Note the date and time of contact.
Report it.
You can report sextortion confidentially through trusted channels:
● CyberTipline.org (National Center for Missing & Exploited Children)
● IC3.gov (FBI Internet Crime Center)
● Your local police department
If a school or youth organization is involved, notify the designated safeguarding officer.
Supporting Your Child Emotional fallout is common. Even if the abuse stops, your child may feel fear, guilt, or anxiety. Let them know that these feelings are normal—and that they won’t have to navigate them alone.
Professional support can help. Consider reaching out to:
● A school counselor or psychologist
● A trusted pediatric therapist
● 24/7 Crisis Support: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Strengthening Digital Safety
Once immediate steps have been taken, help your child rebuild their digital safety:
● Change all passwords, especially for email and social media
● Review and tighten privacy settings
● Remove unknown contacts from apps and games
● Consider tools that offer real-time alerts or content monitoring
For removal of intimate images involving minors, use the free Take It Down service from
NCMEC.
You Are Not Alone
You didn’t plan for this. No parent does. But what matters now is that your child has you, and
that you’re taking steps to protect and support them.
What they need most is to feel seen, believed, and safe. With your care and the right
resources, healing is absolutely possible.