1
Don't pay
Paying often doesn't stop the blackmail. The offender may ask for more money or additional content afterwards.
I am:
GUIDE · ABOUT 8 MIN.
Sextortion
Don't pay. Don't send more pictures. Ask for help — without feeling guilty.
Outcome: A clear immediate plan for victims and parents, including evidence collection, reporting, and support options.
For those affected, parents, and caregiversLast reviewed: 2026-07-14
AI-generated contentWhat Sextortion Is
Sextortion is blackmail using intimate or sexual images, videos, or information.
The perpetrators threaten to share content or send it to friends, family, or school if the person affected:
- pays money
- sends more pictures or videos
- continues to contact you
- performs sexual acts
- fulfills other demands
Sextortion can start through social media, messaging apps, gaming platforms, video chats, or fake accounts.
Even if a picture was sent willingly, the extortion is not the child's fault. The person who is blackmailing is the one committing the crime.
Take Action Now
2
Don't send more pictures
Sending more content gives the offender more leverage.
3
Don't continue contact
Don't negotiate, provoke, or try to confront the offender yourself.
4
Report and block the account
Use the platform's safety features. Block the account after securing important information.
5
Ask for help
Tell a trusted adult right away. You don't have to handle this alone.
6
Report to professionals
Use official reporting channels, the police, or recognized child protection services.
For Parents and Caregivers
A child's first reaction often determines whether they will share everything and accept further help.
1
Stay Calm
Visible anger, panic, or shock can make the child hold back information.
2
Thank Them
Shows that asking for help is the right thing to do.
“Thank you for telling me. You’re not to blame. We’ll handle this together.”
3
Don’t Shame
Avoid accusations and immediate punishments.
- “How could you do that?”
- “This is your fault.”
- “Why did you even send a picture?”
- “Now your phone is gone.”
4
Check for Safety
First, determine how serious the danger is.
- Is the person threatening violence?
- Do they know your address or school?
- Has anything already been shared?
- Has money been paid?
- Is the child afraid of hurting themselves?
- Is there a planned meeting?
5
Secure Evidence and Accounts
Save messages, usernames, links, timestamps, payment information, and platform reports. Don’t change devices or accounts unnecessarily before getting advice from professionals.
6
Get Professional Help
Report the extortion through official channels, recognized child protection services, and if necessary, the police.
Please don't
- don't pay
- don't send any more pictures
- don't negotiate further
- don't confront the offender yourself
- don't post publicly
- don't shame the child
- don't take the device away completely right away
- don't delete messages or profiles before securing important information
- don't download, copy, or forward sexual images unnecessarily
Securely Save Evidence
Save or document:
- Username
- Profile link
- Platform
- Date and time
- Threats
- Demands for money
- Payment details or recipient
- Message history
- Reports already made
- Known email addresses or phone numbers
Messages, links, and account details can be important. Sexualized images of minors should not be downloaded, copied, or shared unnecessarily. Use official reporting channels and follow their instructions.
Don't rush to delete your entire profile or message history. This information can be helpful for reporting and investigations.
Report and Remove Content
Official services can help with reporting, securing evidence, and removing shared images.
Removal cannot be guaranteed. Still, use recognized services and platform reporting channels.
In the USA, the NCMEC service Take It Down can help limit the spread of explicit images taken before turning 18 — without needing to upload the image to NCMEC. Use only the official service and the CyberTipline.
Get professional help right away if
- threats of violence are made
- home address or school is known
- a meeting is requested or planned
- images have already been shared
- large sums of money are demanded or repeated payments are requested
- an adult is sexually contacting a child
- the child appears panicked, desperate, or unresponsive
- self-harm or suicide is mentioned
What’s important next
- Change passwords
- Enable two-factor authentication
- Check connected devices and apps
- Document blocked accounts
- Review payment cards or accounts
- Inform the school if others are affected
- Arrange emotional support
- Talk to your child again after 24–48 hours
- Document further attempts to contact
It may take time to fully resolve the situation. The child should not be left alone during this time or blamed for the extortion.
Further Guides
Help Lines
International helplines and official resources — filter by country.
Unknown Contact
Protect private information, recognize warning signs, and seek help in time.
Cyberbullying
Immediate steps for kids and teens — and calm, clear support for parents.
Conversation Guides
How to start, what to ask, what to avoid — and how to respond to anger, silence, or shame.
Hacked Account
Recover access, log out devices, secure accounts, and limit damage.
Password and Account Security
Strong passphrases, secure recovery, two-factor protection — and a clear plan for emergencies.
This guide provides general educational information. It is not a substitute for medical, psychological, legal, or emergency assistance.