Understanding Sextortion: Protecting Your Child in the Digital Age

In today's digital world, children and teens are more connected than ever. While the internet offers many benefits, it also presents risks, including a growing threat known as sextortion. As parents, it's crucial to understand this danger and know how to safeguard your children.

What Is Sextortion?

Sextortion is a form of online exploitation where predators coerce minors into sharing explicit images or videos. Once obtained, these images are used to blackmail the victims for more content, money, or other favors. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) highlights that perpetrators often use deception, such as posing as peers or romantic interests, to gain trust before making demands.

Why Is It a Growing Concern?

Reports of sextortion cases involving youth are on the rise. The AAP notes that both boys and girls between the ages of 14 to 17, with some as young as 10 to 11, are the main target. Studies indicate higher victimization rates among adolescent males. Perpetrators may be strangers they’ve met online or even acquaintances from school or the community.

Why Is This Age Group More Vulnerable?

Adolescence is a time of big feelings, fast changes, and deep needs—for acceptance, connection, and even romantic validation. Teen brains are still developing, especially in areas tied to judgment and impulse control.

That means they may:

• Act before thinking—especially when emotions are high, and a decision feels urgent.
• Crave attention or intimacy.
• Feel safe behind screens, without realizing real-world consequences.
• Respond to flattery or fake relationships.
• Value peer approval over adult warnings.

To make matters worse, many victims stay silent. Why? Because they feel ashamed, afraid of getting in trouble, or worry their parents will be angry or disappointed. Meanwhile, perpetrators often escalate threats, increasing fear and urgency.

How Can I Protect My Child?

• Open communication—Encourage your child to talk about their online interactions. Let them know they can come to you without fear of punishment.
• Educate about online risks—Discuss the dangers of sharing personal information and images online, even with people they think they know.
• Monitor online activity—Keep an eye on your child's internet use. Utilize parental controls and privacy settings on devices and apps.
• Create a family media plan—The AAP offers a customizable Family Media Plan to help families set boundaries and expectations for media use.

What Should I Do if I Think My Child Is a Victim?

1. Stay calm—Reassure your child that they are not to blame and that you are there to support them.
2. Report the incident—Contact local law enforcement and report the case to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at CyberTipline.org. When sextortion involves a minor, it becomes a case of child exploitation—triggering more serious criminal charges, involving specialized law enforcement units, and often making it easier to get explicit images removed from the internet. Authorities treat these cases as higher priority, and there are more resources available to help.
3. Seek professional help—Sextortion can bring up complex emotions for everyone involved, including fear, shame, anger, or confusion. Talking with your child’s pediatrician or a mental health professional can help your family process what happened, manage emotional fallout, and begin healing in a healthy, supportive way.

Resources for Further Information

• AAP's Information on Sextortion
• AAP's Family Media Plan

By staying informed and maintaining open lines of communication, you can help protect your child from online threats like sextortion. Remember, you're not alone—resources and support are available to guide you and your family through these challenges.