As technology continues to shape how youth connect, learn, and socialize, online safety has never been more important. Over the past few years, a disturbing form of online exploitation known as sextortion has been on the rise across Canada and around the world.
Sextortion happens when someone threatens to share private or intimate images or videos of another person, often a child or teenager, unless money, further images, or other demands are met. Offenders can be strangers or people the victim believes they know. Increasingly, sextortion schemes target youth through social media, gaming platforms, and messaging apps.
The Missing Children’s Network is deeply concerned about the growing number of young victims affected by this crime. Our goal is to raise awareness, provide guidance, and help families start open, non-judgmental conversations that protect children before harm occurs.
How Sextortion Typically Happens
While every case is unique, sextortion often follows a similar pattern:
- The predator initiates contact through a social media platform, game chat, or messaging app, often using a fake profile.
- They quickly build trust by pretending to be someone around the victim’s age or by showing interest in similar hobbies.
- Once a connection is made, they encourage the victim to share a private image or video, sometimes by sending one first (which is usually fake or stolen).
- After receiving an image, they turn threatening, demanding money, more explicit content, or continued communication under the threat of public exposure.
Many victims feel isolated, terrified, and ashamed but it’s vital to remember that they are not to blame. Perpetrators deliberately manipulate and exploit emotions to maintain control.
Warning Signs Parents Should Watch For
It can be difficult to know when a child is in trouble online, but there are some red flags to be aware of:
- Sudden changes in mood, sleep, or social behaviour after being online.
- Secretive use of devices, deleting messages, or hiding apps.
- Unexplained requests for money or reluctance to talk about certain online activities.
- Withdrawal or anxiety about social media or gaming accounts.
If you notice these signs, stay calm and open. Although these can be considered “normal” behaviour for teenagers, it is best to keep an eye out. Avoid punishment or anger; your child needs reassurance that they can talk to you safely.
How to Talk to Your Child About Sextortion
Creating an ongoing, judgment-free dialogue about online safety is one of the best ways to prevent sextortion. Here are a few ways to start:
- Keep communication open. Let your child know they can always come to you, no matter what happens online.
- Teach digital boundaries. Explain that once an image or message is shared online, it’s impossible to control where it goes.
- Normalize refusal. Help your child practice saying “no” to any request for private photos or videos, even if it feels awkward.
- Reinforce that it’s never their fault if they are targeted.
- Encourage privacy settings and strong passwords on all apps and devices.
- Remind them that people online are not always who they claim to be.
If Your Child Becomes a Victim
If your child is being sextorted:
- Stay calm and supportive. Do not threaten or blame your child.
- Stop all communication with the perpetrator immediately.
- Do not send money or additional content.
- Save evidence such as screenshots, messages, usernames, and account information.
- Report the incident to your local police and to Cybertip.ca, Canada’s national tipline for online child exploitation.
- Ask for help. Many organizations, including the Missing Children’s Network, can guide you through safety planning and emotional support.
Empowering Youth Through Awareness
Education and awareness are powerful tools in preventing sextortion. Schools, community organizations, and families can work together to:
- Promote media literacy—helping youth think critically about online interactions.
- Encourage peer support and reporting when someone is in danger.
- Discuss healthy online relationships and respect for boundaries.
By fostering trust, compassion, and awareness, we can reduce the stigma that keeps victims silent—and empower children and teens to reach out for help without fear.
We’re All in This Together
Sextortion is a form of child exploitation, and it can happen to anyone. The more we talk about it openly, the better prepared our children will be to recognize manipulation and seek help early.
If something doesn’t feel right, whether online or in person, encourage your child to listen to that instinct and speak up. Together, we can make the digital world a safer place for every child.
For Help and Resources
If you or someone you know is being targeted, contact:
- Cybertip.ca – Canada’s tipline for reporting online child sexual exploitation
- Local Police Services – Report sextortion or online threats immediately
- The Missing Children’s Network – missingchildrensnetwork.ngo
Stay Aware. Stay Connected. Stay Safe.
Let’s continue working together to protect children online, offline, and everywhere in between.