Children in UK report online sextortion attempts in record numbers

Children in the UK are reporting online sextortion attempts at an alarming rate, with the number of incidents rising by 34% in the past year. This surge in reports has prompted campaigners to call for more robust technology from tech companies to combat the growing threat. The Report Remove service, a platform designed to help children flag intimate images or videos that have been shared or could be shared online, reported receiving 394 reports from under-18s in 2025, a significant increase from the previous year.

Sextortion, the act of extorting sexual content from someone through coercion or threats, has become a prevalent issue among young people using digital platforms. The rise in reports highlights the urgent need for action to protect vulnerable children from predators who exploit their vulnerabilities. Many of these incidents begin with seemingly innocent online interactions, where predators build trust before demanding explicit content. Once the child complies, the predator threatens to share the material unless further content is provided or the child performs specific actions.

One of the most distressing aspects of these cases is the emotional impact on the victims. Children who fall prey to sextortion often feel shame, fear, and a sense of betrayal. The Report Remove service has shared harrowing stories of young people who, after sending a single explicit image, found themselves trapped in a cycle of fear and manipulation. One child described feeling "ashamed and scared" after an online friendship turned into a sextortion nightmare. Such experiences can have long-lasting effects on mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and a loss of trust in others.

In response to the escalating problem, campaigners are urging tech companies to implement advanced nudity-detection technology on phones. This technology could help identify and prevent the sharing of explicit content, potentially curbing the prevalence of sextortion. While some argue that such measures could infringe on privacy, the alternative—allowing predators to continue exploiting children—is unacceptable. The technology would need to be carefully designed to avoid false positives and ensure that it does not inadvertently capture non-explicit content.

Law enforcement agencies are also playing a crucial role in addressing sextortion. They are increasingly targeting predators through investigations and arrests. However, the dynamic nature of online interactions and the global reach of these crimes make it challenging to keep pace with the evolving tactics of offenders. Collaboration between law enforcement, tech companies, and child protection organizations is essential to develop comprehensive strategies to combat sextortion.

Education and awareness are equally vital in combating sextortion. Teaching children about online safety, the risks associated with sharing explicit content, and the importance of reporting suspicious behavior can empower them to protect themselves. Parents and caregivers should also be encouraged to engage in open conversations with their children about their digital footprints and the potential dangers of online interactions.

The rise in sextortion attempts among UK children underscores the need for immediate and coordinated action. While the number of reports has increased, the actual scale of the problem is likely much larger, as many victims may feel too ashamed or scared to come forward. It is crucial for authorities, tech companies, and society as a whole to prioritize the protection of children and work together to create a safer digital environment. Only through a combination of technological solutions, law enforcement efforts, and education can we hope to effectively combat this growing threat.