POSH
What Is Sextortion?
Sextortion is pressure using fear.
Someone gets an image, video, or personal content — then threatens to share it unless the child sends more, pays, or obeys.
This is one of the fastest escalating online risks.
It can move from first contact to threats in minutes.
High-risk awareness
SEND → THREAT → CONTROL
Sextortion often begins with a fake profile, friendly contact, flirting, or trust-building — then quickly shifts into pressure and threats.
Most victims panic and feel trapped.
Calm action breaks the control.
How sextortion works
Friendly contact
↓
Trust or flirting
↓
Image or video shared
↓
Threat appears
↓
Demand for more / money / control
The shift from “friendly” to “threat” is often sudden.
Common threats used
- “I will send this to your friends or family.”
- “I have your followers list.”
- “I know your school.”
- “Send more or I post it.”
- “Pay me or I expose you.”
- “Reply now or I send it.”
The goal is panic — panic makes people obey quickly.
What your child must NOT do
Do not send more
Do not pay
Do not negotiate
Do not panic-reply
Sending more never fixes it — it increases control
Why sextortion works
- Fear of embarrassment or exposure
- Shame stopping the child from telling parents
- Urgency forcing fast decisions
- Isolation (“don’t tell anyone”)
- Emotional manipulation
Silence is what the offender relies on.
Signs your child may be affected
- Sudden panic or distress after being online
- Constant checking of messages
- Fear of their phone or notifications
- Trying to hide or delete conversations
- Unusual requests for money or gift cards
- Withdrawal or emotional shutdown
What to do immediately
- Stay calm so your child keeps talking
- Stop all contact with the person
- Save all evidence (messages, usernames, threats)
- Do not delete before saving
- Do not send anything else
- Report through proper channels
You are stopping escalation — not solving everything instantly.
Where sextortion often starts
Final POSH reminder
Sextortion moves fast
Panic makes it worse
Silence helps the offender
Calm action breaks control
The child needs support — not shame