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New survey highlights scale of online coercion and calls for urgent protection measures
The NSPCC has warned of a growing crisis in online blackmail affecting children and young people, after new research revealed that one in five UK parents know a child who has experienced this form of abuse.
The charity’s survey of 2,558 parents found that almost one in ten (9%) reported that their own child had been blackmailed online. Yet despite the scale of the issue, two in five parents said they never discuss online blackmail with their children.
Parents cited several barriers to having these conversations, including fears of overreacting or frightening their child (32%), concerns about their child’s current mood or mental state (29%), and children’s reluctance to engage in discussions about sensitive topics (25%).
Online blackmail – where someone threatens to share information, images or messages unless a child complies with demands – often takes place on private messaging platforms. Offenders may start conversations on open platforms before deliberately moving children into private spaces to exert pressure and control.
The NSPCC said the consequences for young victims can be severe and long-lasting. Online blackmail has been linked to depression, self-harm, eating disorders, suicidal thoughts and, in the most tragic cases, suicide.
The survey also found significant public concern about industry failures to protect children. One in three parents said they believed tech companies and the Government were falling short in preventing online blackmail, while schools, educators and charities were viewed as doing far more to address the issue.
Rani Govender, Policy Manager at the NSPCC, said the findings highlight both the scale of the problem and the need for urgent action.
“These findings show the scale of online blackmail taking place across the country, yet tech companies continue to fall short in their duty to protect children,” she said. “Children deserve to be safe online, and that must be built into the very fabric of these platforms, not bolted on after harm has already been done.”
She added that while systemic change is essential, parents also need support to talk openly with their children.
“It’s crucial that parents feel equipped to have these difficult conversations. Knowing how to talk about online blackmail in an age-appropriate way, and creating an environment where children feel safe to come forward without fear of judgement, can make all the difference.”
The NSPCC is urging parents, carers and professionals to contact its Helpline if they have concerns about a child.
