Parent Guide
Sextortion & Abuse
Talk without panic
A difficult topic – but one that parents should know about. This is about how you can talk to your child about it.
Acute situation?
If your child is currently affected:
- 147 – Pro Juventute (24h, free, anonymous)
- clickandstop.ch – Reporting center for sexual violence against children
- Police – in case of blackmail or threats
What is Sextortion?
Sextortion = blackmail with intimate images or videos. Perpetrators get victims to send nude pictures – then threaten to publish them unless payment or more material is sent.
Adults build trust with children online to get them to perform sexual acts.
Sending intimate images – common among teenagers, but risky.
Publishing intimate images without consent – often after breakups.
Talking to children about it
Without blame
"If something uncomfortable happens to you online, you can always come to me. I won't scold you."
Clear rules
"We don't send pictures of ourselves without clothes – not even to friends. Once sent, you lose control."
Recognize strangers
"Not everyone online is who they claim to be. Profile pictures can be faked."
Set boundaries
"If someone pressures you into something that feels wrong – stop. You don't have to do anything you don't want."
Recognizing warning signs
- Child suddenly becomes withdrawn, anxious or sad
- Hides phone/screen when parents are nearby
- Sleep problems, concentration difficulties
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Unusual money requests
- New "online friends" that aren't talked about
If something has happened
Stay calm
Your child needs support now, not blame. The fault lies with the perpetrator, not the child.
Secure evidence
Screenshots of messages, profiles, threats. Don't delete!
Break contact
Don't respond, don't pay, don't send more material. Block.
Report
Report to platform (use report function). For blackmail: police.
Get help
Pro Juventute 147, victim support, child protection center – professional support.
Help services Switzerland
Prevention is the best protection
Regular, open conversations about online experiences. Show interest without controlling. Build trust so children dare to talk about problems.
This translation was created with AI and may contain errors.
Array Bei akuter Gefahr: 147 (Pro Juventute) oder Polizei.