A growing number of UK parents are reporting that their children have been targeted by online blackmail and sextortion attempts, according to newly published national safety data. The reports highlight a rapidly escalating digital safety threat affecting teenagers and younger users across social media and messaging platforms.
What exactly happened
New data released by child protection organisations indicates that nearly one in ten UK parents now believe their child has either experienced or been threatened with online blackmail. In most cases, the attackers attempt to extort money by threatening to release private images, videos, or personal information.
The blackmail attempts typically begin with fake online profiles posing as teenagers or influencers. After initiating private conversations, attackers manipulate victims into sharing private content, which is then used as leverage for extortion.
In a significant number of reported cases, criminals operate across international networks, making enforcement and takedowns substantially more complex.
Services affected
The activity impacts a wide range of digital platforms used daily by children and teens, including:
- Social media networks
- Private messaging apps
- Online gaming chat systems
- Video-sharing platforms
Unlike typical account scams, sextortion and online blackmail often involve psychological manipulation rather than technical hacking, making them harder for automated security systems to flag in real time.
Why this matters
This represents one of the most dangerous shifts in modern online crime. Unlike financial fraud, sextortion directly exploits emotional vulnerability, embarrassment, and fear — conditions that make young victims particularly susceptible.
The emotional impact on victims can be severe, often including anxiety, depression, social withdrawal, and in extreme cases self-harm. Unlike traditional cybercrime, the damage caused by leaked personal content is often permanent.
From a technical standpoint, the data also highlights a major gap in current platform safety systems. While AI-powered moderation tools can scan public content, private encrypted chats remain extremely difficult to monitor without violating privacy laws.
This places more responsibility on device-level parental controls, reporting systems, and digital education rather than purely platform-based enforcement.
What users should do now
Parents should immediately talk openly with children about online safety, emphasising that no threats should ever be paid and that support is always available.
Children should be encouraged to:
- Never share intimate images or videos online
- Block and report suspicious contacts immediately
- Save evidence of threats instead of deleting messages
- Speak to a trusted adult as soon as a threat occurs
On a technical level, families should ensure privacy settings are locked down across all social platforms and that two-factor authentication is enabled where available.
External sources
NSPCC — Official Sextortion & Online Blackmail Report
UK National Crime Agency CEOP Safety Centre
Childnet — Sextortion Prevention & Advice
The rapid rise in these cases confirms that online safety is no longer just about viruses and phishing. Psychological digital threats now represent one of the most serious risks facing young internet users today.
