Sextortion is a form of sexual exploitation where youth are threatened or blackmailed, most often with the possibility of sharing with the public a nude or sexual images of them, by a person who demands additional sexual content, sexual activity or money from the child. Perpetrators of these crimes, predators, can operate both in person and online. As a key prevention strategy, this page provides both youth and parents with information to recognize predators and their tactics, both for sexploitation and trafficking, and what to do if they are a victim of these crimes. Know that you are not alone and that help is available.
A trending crisis
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) has seen sharp increases in new and evolving crimes targeting children gleaned from reports to their CyberTipline, which serves as the national reporting mechanism for online child sexual exploitation:
Prevention - recognize predators and their tactics
Sandy Dorton, Founder/CEO Project SHIELD, inc., shares insight into predators.
Sextortion and trafficking follow a familiar pattern:
Isolation and escalation: The abuser may escalate demands or carry out threats, increasing panic, hopelessness and isolation.
Grooming or manipulation: The perpetrator builds trust—posing as a peer, love interest or even a modeling scout. (Watch featured video and read descriptions of types of predators).
Collection of material: They pressure the victim to share explicit content, or may already possess or fabricate material (deep fake AI generated).
Threats: Once they have a compromising image or video, they threaten to share it unless the victim sends more, pays money or performs sexual acts.
Note: click on the images below to enlarge
Actions to take for victims of sextortion or trafficking
Stay calm and supportive - it is never the victim’s fault
Do NOT engage or pay the perpetrator
Save evidence (screenshots, usernames)
Report immediately and access support to remove illicit content:
Seek support (emotional + professional)
Learn more: recommended resources
Million Kids’ resource page provides a comprehensive list of organizations that can provide support and education.
NetSmartz is the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s (NCMEC) online safety education program. It provides age-appropriate videos and activities to help children be safer online with the goal of developing awareness of potential online risks and empowering them to help prevent victimization by making safer choices on- and offline.
If you have concerns or information about potential trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888
Restoration Diversion Services is a non-profit dedicated to helping individuals escape and recover from human trafficking—particularly sex trafficking—by supporting them in rebuilding lives of dignity and resilience.
Related national articles and videos
How AI is Being Used to Create Explicit Deepfake Images that Harm Children (Public Broadcasting Service, PBS Newshour)
Protective factors
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Parents/caregivers and children have open, calm and judgment-free conversations about predator tactics and healthy vs unhealthy relationships.
Youth understand that it is ok to ask for help, and that they will not get in trouble for seeking help and support.
Youth understand that their worth is never tied to attention, likes or money.
For specific tips and strategies to facilitate open discussions between parents and youth, click HERE