a safe space
Understanding
Self-harm
Staying Safe Online: Child Sexual Exploitation and "Sextortion"
With the right support you can find your way forward
Not everyone online is who they say they are. Some people use social media, gaming platforms, messaging apps and live-streaming services to trick, pressure or manipulate young people into sharing personal information, sexual images, videos or taking part in sexual activities online.
This is known as online child sexual exploitation. When someone threatens to share sexual images or videos unless you send more images, money, gift cards or do something else they want, this is called "sextortion" (sexual extortion). The National Crime Agency (NCA) has reported an increase in these types of crimes affecting young people.
Be careful if someone:
- wants to move a conversation quickly to private messages
- asks for personal information, photos or videos
- tells you to keep your conversation secret
- Makes you feel special very quickly or offers gifts
- pressures you to send sexual images
- threatens, blackmails or scares you
- says they will share images with your friends or family if you don’t do what they ask.
Remember: It is never your fault
People who exploit young people are skilled at manipulating others. If something has happened to you, you are not to blame, even if you shared images or messages. Help is available and you do not have to deal with it alone.
What to do if this happens to you
- Do not reply or negotiate
- Block the person on all platforms
- Take screenshots of messages, usernames and profiles
- Keep any emails or messages
- If someone is demanding money, gift cards or more images, do not send anything
- Paying rarely makes the threats stop
Step 4: Tell a trusted adult
- Speak to a parent, carer, teacher, youth worker or another trusted adult
- Getting support early can make a huge difference
If you are under 18 and something sexual has happened online, report it to CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection):
CEOP Safety Centre
Make a Report
CEOP is part of the National Crime Agency and helps children and young people who are worried about sexual abuse, exploitation, grooming or online blackmail.
Make a report
Step 6: If an image has been shared
If you are under 18 and a sexual image or video of you has been shared online, you can use:
Childline & IWF Report Remove
This service can help get sexual images removed from the internet.
Childline
If someone has exploited, pressured or threatened you online, you are not in trouble and it is not your fault. Many young people experience online abuse, and there are professionals who can help keep you safe. The most important step is to tell someone and get support as soon as possible.
Get Help Now
Experiencing exploitation, blackmail or abuse can leave you feeling frightened, ashamed, angry, anxious or hopeless. These feelings are common, but support is available.
(free, confidential support for anyone under 19)
Call: 0800 1111
Childline
If you feel unable to keep yourself safe
- Call 999 in an emergency
- Go to your nearest Accident & Emergency department.
- Tell a trusted adult immediately.
