Teen Slang · Safety to watch
What does “Sextortion” mean?
When someone threatens to share a person's explicit images unless they pay money or send more. A serious crime targeting teens.
Where “Sextortion” comes from
A recognized form of online blackmail; the FBI has warned of a sharp rise targeting teen boys especially.
Why teens actually say it
It's not casual slang — but a term parents must know, as predators use fake profiles to trap teens.
What it means for you as a parent
Critical to know. If your teen is targeted: don't pay, save evidence, stop contact, and report to the platform and the FBI/NCMEC. Reassure them it's not their fault.
How it’s used
- “This guy’s threatening to post my pics unless I pay.” A serious crime in progress — a teen being extorted needs an adult and the police, fast.
- “It was sextortion, so I told my mom and we reported it.” The right move — telling a trusted adult and reporting it. Scary but handled.
