Sexual extortion

The NSPCC has published a news story about boys’ vulnerability to sexual extortion, or ‘sextortion’. Sexual extortion is a form of online blackmail that involves the threat of sharing nude or semi-nude images or videos to extort money or force someone to do something against their will. 

Data from Childline counselling sessions between April and December 2024 reveals that boys were more than twice as likely as girls to seek help and advice from the service for worries about sexual extortion. In response, Childline has launched a campaign aimed at encouraging boys to contact the service for support if they are affected. The news story includes tips from Childline to help young people stay safe online.    

Read the press release: Childline data reveals boys are most vulnerable to ‘sextortion’
Watch the campaign video: Can The Charvas work out who is REAL and who is FAKE?

See also on NSPCC Learning: Young people’s experiences of online sexual extortion or ‘sextortion’