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If your child is being sextorted: a calm, step-by-step response

Sextortion moves fast, and it runs on shame. Here is exactly what to do — and what never to do.

About 15 minutes · 5 steps

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  1. Reassure first

    Lead with: 'I'm glad you told me. This is not your fault and we will get through it together.' Their fear of being judged is the main thing the person doing this is relying on.

  2. Do not pay, and stop responding

    Paying rarely stops the demands and usually escalates them. Stop engaging with the account, but do not delete the conversation yet.

  3. Preserve evidence

    Screenshot the messages, usernames, and any profile details. Note the platform and times. This helps platforms and law enforcement act.

  4. Report and get help

    Report the account to the platform, file a report with the NCMEC CyberTipline, and contact local law enforcement. For minors, NCMEC's 'Take It Down' service can help limit the spread of images.

  5. Then block

    Once evidence is preserved and reports are filed, block the account across platforms.