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This note comes from Mistlift, a plain-language guide for parents and educators to what kids are into online.

A note for families: Sextortion

Act Ages 12-17 Last checked April 1, 2026

What it is

Sextortion is blackmail using intimate images, or the threat of sharing them, to force a young person to pay, send more images or comply; police in Winnipeg report a sharp rise and say victims should not pay and should tell someone.

How much it matters

Real, documented harm. A person checked this card before it was published.

Should you worry?

Sextortion is a crime in which someone gets an intimate image through deception, pressure or a past relationship, then threatens to share it to get money, gift cards, more images or control. It often starts with a stranger using a fake identity to build trust, then moves the chat to a private messaging app and turns to secrecy and threats. Watch for a teen who suddenly seems panicked or ashamed, is secretive about their phone, is upset after messages, or has money or gift cards go missing. If it happens, stay calm and tell your teen they are not in trouble. Don't pay and don't keep replying. Keep the messages and profile details as evidence, and report it. Shame keeps victims silent, and silence is what these schemes depend on.

What to say

“If anyone ever pressures you for photos or threatens you with one, I won't be angry, and you won't be in trouble. It's a crime, and it's on them, not you. Come get me right away, and we'll deal with it together.”

If you’re worried

If your child is in immediate danger, call 911. Report online sexual exploitation and sextortion to Cybertip.ca. NeedHelpNow.ca can help get intimate images taken down. Kids Help Phone is there for your teen at 1-800-668-6868 or by texting 686868. If your teen talks about hurting themselves, call or text 988 right away.

Sources

Read the full card, and share it, at mistlift.app/cards/sextortion-2