By Floyd Godfrey, PhD
Understanding Sextortion
Sextortion is an alarming form of sexual exploitation where teens are manipulated into sending explicit images or videos, only to be blackmailed for content or money. These predators often appear friendly and unthreatening, taking their time to build a false sense of trust. Social media platforms, online games, and anonymous messaging apps are common starting points. What begins as innocent conversation can quickly evolve into manipulation and coercion.
For many teens, the process is gradual. Predators intentionally ease them into conversations that feel safe and validating. They take advantage of adolescent curiosity and the natural desire for connection. Over time, they introduce sexual content or challenges that teens may feel too embarrassed or ashamed to discuss with adults.
Why Teens Are Vulnerable
Teens are especially at risk for sextortion due to a combination of developmental, emotional, and behavioral factors. The adolescent brain is still forming, particularly in areas related to impulse control, decision-making, and assessing risk. This developmental stage, coupled with an increasing sense of independence and secrecy, creates a perfect storm for exploitation.
Teens struggling with pornography use may be even more vulnerable. Many who are addicted to porn visit risky sites more frequently, placing themselves in environments where predators are actively looking for targets. These teens are often already living in secrecy and shame, which makes them less likely to disclose inappropriate interactions or reach out for help when threatened. The sense of being trapped is intensified when their own behaviors feel like part of the problem.
The Emotional Toll of Sextortion
Sextortion creates deep emotional wounds. Teens often feel like their lives have been destroyed. They may be consumed with fear of exposure, rejection, or legal consequences. Shame becomes the primary weapon used by predators, and once a teen feels ashamed or responsible, they are more likely to comply with further demands and remain silent.
This silence is incredibly dangerous. When teens don’t feel safe to talk to their parents or trusted adults, they remain isolated and at risk. Their mental health may deteriorate rapidly, leading to depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts. It’s critical that we recognize this threat and respond with both urgency and compassion.
How Adults Can Offer Support
Parents and caregivers must be a consistent and nonjudgmental source of strength. Teens need to know that if something goes wrong, they can turn to the adults in their lives without fear of being shamed or blamed. The first response must always be calm, supportive, and focused on their well-being—not punishment.
Support should include validating their feelings, emphasizing that they are not alone, and making it clear that their life is not ruined. With love, guidance, and professional help, healing is possible.
Therapeutic Insights and Practical Tools
Professionals have emphasized the role of early attachment, trauma, and shame in sexual exploitation and addiction. Therapeutic support is often necessary to help teens recover emotionally and rebuild their self-esteem. Recovery involves creating safety, working through shame, and restoring a sense of identity and connection.
For those working with teens or parenting through this painful experience, two key resources are available:
- A practical guide to help families navigate sextortion is available at: https://floydgodfrey.com/sextortion-how-to-respond.html
- A podcast interview discussing this topic and more is available through Hope4Families: https://livingstonesministries.org/help4families/podcasts/
These resources offer education, perspective, and encouragement to families facing one of the most difficult challenges of the digital age.
While sextortion is a dark and painful reality, it is not the end of the story. With compassionate intervention, professional guidance, and the unwavering support of loved ones, teens can recover, rebuild, and move forward with hope.
Floyd Godfrey, PhD is a Clinical Sexologist and a Certified Sex Addiction Specialist. He has been guiding clients since 2000 and currently speaks and provides consulting and mental health coaching across the globe. To learn more about Floyd Godfrey, PhD please visit his website: www.FloydGodfrey.com
