My Child Is Being Blackmailed Online (Sextortion)
Someone is threatening to share your child's intimate images, videos, or personal information unless your child sends more images, money, or other demands. This is known as sextortion and is a serious criminal offence.
Sextortion is terrifying for children and families, but it is important to know that this is a well-documented crime with established support systems. Your child is a victim — they have been manipulated by a criminal. The situation feels overwhelming, but there are clear steps you can take right now to stop the cycle and protect your child. Many families have been through this and come out the other side.
What to do now
Stop All Communication
Tell your child to stop replying to the blackmailer immediately. Do not pay money, send more images, or engage in any way. Responding — even to plead or negotiate — encourages the criminal to continue.
✗ Do not: Do not let your child send any further images or money under any circumstances, even if the blackmailer threatens to release what they already have.
Reassure Your Child
Your child may be in a state of panic. Tell them clearly that this is not their fault, that they are the victim of a crime, and that you are going to get through this together. Many children fear they will be in trouble — remove that fear immediately.
Preserve Evidence
Screenshot the blackmailer's messages, profile, and any threats — but do not screenshot any intimate images. Note usernames, platform names, and dates. Do not delete the conversation.
Report to the Police and CEOP
Contact the police on 101 (or 999 if your child is in immediate danger). Also report to CEOP online. Sextortion is a serious criminal offence and police have specialist teams trained to handle these cases.
Report and Block on the Platform
Report the blackmailer's account to the platform. Most platforms have expedited processes for sextortion reports. Then block the account. If the criminal creates new accounts, report and block those too.
What not to do
- ✗Do not pay any money or comply with demands — criminals almost never stop after receiving payment; they simply demand more.
- ✗Do not try to negotiate or reason with the blackmailer.
- ✗Do not let your child delete their account — this can destroy evidence and the criminal may have other ways to contact them.
- ✗Do not blame your child. Sextortion criminals are skilled manipulators who target young people deliberately.
Preserving evidence
Why this matters
If you need to report to authorities or a platform, evidence can help.
- •Screenshot all threatening messages, the blackmailer's profile(s), and any financial demands (e.g. payment details, cryptocurrency addresses).
- •Record the timeline: when contact first began, when threats started, and what has been demanded.
- •If any payments have been made, keep transaction records — these can help police trace the criminal.
How to talk to your child
- ✓Emphasise repeatedly that they are not in trouble and that what is happening to them is a crime committed against them.
- ✓Acknowledge how frightened they must feel, and that it is normal to feel that way. Let them know this can and will be resolved.
- ✓If your child is showing signs of severe distress, self-harm thoughts, or suicidal ideation, contact your GP urgently or call the Samaritans on 116 123.
Who to contact
Police (999 if immediate danger, 101 otherwise)
To report sextortion — a criminal offence. Call 999 if your child is in immediate danger or expressing suicidal thoughts
24/7
CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection)
To report online sexual exploitation and blackmail of a child
Online reporting available 24/7
Childline / IWF Report Remove Tool
To get intimate images removed from the internet
Online tool available 24/7
Samaritans
If your child or anyone in the family is in emotional distress or having thoughts of self-harm
24/7, 365 days a year
This guidance is for informational purposes. It is not a substitute for emergency services or professional safeguarding support. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999 (UK) or 911 (US) now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
Was this page helpful?
Quick Reference — My Child Is Being Blackmailed Online (Sextortion)
My Child Is Being Blackmailed Online (Sextortion) — Quick Reference
Safe Child Guide — safechildguide.com
Do this:
- 1. Tell your child to stop replying to the blackmailer immediately. Do not pay money, send more images, or engage in any way. Responding — even to plead or negotiate — encourages the criminal to continue.
- 2. Your child may be in a state of panic. Tell them clearly that this is not their fault, that they are the victim of a crime, and that you are going to get through this together. Many children fear they will be in trouble — remove that fear immediately.
- 3. Screenshot the blackmailer's messages, profile, and any threats — but do not screenshot any intimate images. Note usernames, platform names, and dates. Do not delete the conversation.
- 4. Contact the police on 101 (or 999 if your child is in immediate danger). Also report to CEOP online. Sextortion is a serious criminal offence and police have specialist teams trained to handle these cases.
- 5. Report the blackmailer's account to the platform. Most platforms have expedited processes for sextortion reports. Then block the account. If the criminal creates new accounts, report and block those too.
Do NOT do this:
- ✗ Do not pay any money or comply with demands — criminals almost never stop after receiving payment; they simply demand more.
- ✗ Do not try to negotiate or reason with the blackmailer.
- ✗ Do not let your child delete their account — this can destroy evidence and the criminal may have other ways to contact them.
- ✗ Do not blame your child. Sextortion criminals are skilled manipulators who target young people deliberately.
Stay calm. You are doing the right thing by looking for help. Your child needs your support, not your panic.
Last reviewed: 2026-03-01