Parents routinely prepare their children to navigate various life challenges, but online safety experts now stress the urgent need to address a growing digital threat: sextortion.
Though this issue is not new, perpetrators have evolved their methods, using advanced tools like deepfake technology to manipulate and extort teenagers. Criminal organizations, particularly from Nigeria and Côte d'Ivoire, have targeted teens for financial sextortion, leading to tragic cases where victims, overwhelmed by threats, have taken their own lives.
Why Parents Need to Talk About Sextortion
Melissa Stroebel, vice president of research and insights at Thorn—a nonprofit focused on protecting children from online abuse—emphasizes the importance of open, ongoing discussions about online safety, including sextortion, in age-appropriate ways.
Parents cannot rely solely on social media platforms to safeguard their children. Even teens who refuse to share explicit images can be targeted through stolen social media photos altered with deepfake technology. This makes it critical for parents to equip their children with the knowledge and confidence to recognize threats and seek help if necessary.
How to Have the Conversation
Discussing sextortion can be uncomfortable, but experts say early, judgment-free conversations are essential. Instead of unrealistic expectations about online behavior, focus on red flags and response strategies.
Many young people fail to see unknown online contacts as strangers, especially if they appear connected to a mutual friend. Predators exploit this by impersonating peers, engaging in flirtatious conversations, and gradually coercing victims into sharing explicit images.
Parents should:
- Avoid shaming their child for online interactions.
- Explain the risks of trusting people online, even those who seem familiar.
- Reassure their child that if they ever face extortion, they should seek help rather than trying to handle it alone.
The Growing Threat of Sextortion
Sextortion is increasingly widespread. Meta recently removed 63,000 Instagram accounts linked to financial sextortion scams in Nigeria. While international crime groups often exploit teens for financial gain, sex offenders also use these tactics to collect and distribute explicit material.
A 2018 study found that 5% of middle and high school students had experienced sextortion, but recent data suggests the problem has intensified. In 2023, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received nearly 27,000 reports of financial sextortion—more than double the previous year. Although young women have traditionally been the primary targets, recent reports indicate a rising number of boys and young men being victimized.
How to Protect Against Sextortion
Parents should help their children develop a plan to recognize and respond to sextortion attempts. Key steps include:
- Verify Online Connections – If an unfamiliar person claims to be a friend of a friend, teens should confirm with their real-life acquaintance before engaging.
- Adopt a “Zero Trust” Approach – If something feels suspicious or makes them uncomfortable, they should disengage immediately.
- Have an Exit Strategy – If faced with sextortion, teens should:
- Tell a trusted adult.
- Report the incident to the platform.
- Block and report the perpetrator.
- Contact helplines such as 1-800-THELOST for support.
- Preserve Evidence – While it may be tempting to delete conversations, saving them can help law enforcement track down perpetrators.
Sextortion is a growing digital threat, and parents must prepare their children to recognize and respond to it. As Jared Barnhart, a digital investigations expert, warns, "Predators spend their entire day scanning the internet for victims—it only takes them choosing your child." Open communication and proactive education are the best defenses against this escalating danger.