What to know about teen online safety as 1 in 5 teens experience sextortion
One in five teens and young adults have experienced sextortion, according to a 2025 survey by Thorn, a child safety nonprofit. We explore what is happening and how parents can protect their children.
Overview
Added
March 7, 2026
Related situation
Audience
parent
Grade range
Grade 9 (Freshman)–Grade 12 (Senior)
Page kind
Article
Keywords
InvestigateTVInvestigate TVInvestigateTV+Investigate TV PlusInvestigatorsInvestigationInformInspireImpactSolutions Based Journalism
Introduction
Key Insights on Teen Sextortion
- Prevalence: A 2025 Thorn survey of 1,200 individuals (ages 13–20) found that 1 in 5 teens and young adults have experienced sextortion.
- The Modus Operandi: Predators typically pose as peers online to build trust, coerce victims into sending explicit images, and then threaten to release the content publicly unless a ransom is paid.
- Common Platforms: Risks exist on any platform with chat functionality, specifically mentioned: Instagram, Roblox, Snapchat, and Call of Duty.
- Law Enforcement Challenges: Crimes are often international, making prosecution difficult. However, agencies are increasingly relying on digital forensics and specialized tools, such as electronic storage detection dogs (e.g., "Flora").
- Rising Volume: In Oregon, cyber tips related to these crimes have surged from 1,000 to over 10,000 per year over the last five years.
- Parental Guidance: Experts recommend that parents monitor online activity and establish open, non-punitive communication channels so children feel safe reporting scary or worrisome situations.
- Educational Resources: Meta launched an online course in 2025 specifically designed to help teens identify and navigate the signs of sextortion.
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