One in 10 UK Parents: Child Sexorted Online

Online blackmail and sextortion are significant concerns for UK parents, with nearly 10% reporting their child has been targeted. This alarming trend includes threats to release intimate images or private information, with some cases tragically ending in suicide. The NSPCC highlights that many parents rarely discuss online safety, leaving children vulnerable.

Criminal gangs, often based internationally, are increasingly targeting young males with sextortion scams. These perpetrators demand various concessions, from money to more explicit content. The NSPCC defines blackmail broadly, encompassing threats involving sexuality or other private details, and stresses that tech companies must improve child safety measures.

Experts urge open conversations about online risks and who children are interacting with. Creating safe spaces for children to disclose blackmail attempts, without fear of judgment, is crucial. However, many young people hesitate to report incidents due to embarrassment or a desire to handle issues independently, underscoring the need for proactive parental engagement and platform accountability.