Given increasing use of the internet by minors and their vulnerability to technology-facilitated offending, understanding the impacts of sexual extortion is crucial in guiding interventions that protect children. 

This study systematically reviewed research into the impacts of sexual extortion victimisation on minors. The study finds that victims experience diverse short and long-term harms including psychological distress, social and environmental impacts, financial burdens, risk of ongoing victimisation, and potential involvement in offending and the criminal justice system. 

The research supports targeted approaches to reduce sexual extortion, specifically through "Safety by Design" initiatives that shift responsibility for online safety to service providers.

Key findings

• Although sexual extortion is perpetrated against both adults and children, children are particularly vulnerable.
• This may be due to their increased time spent online coupled with elevated risk tolerance and lower social maturity. 
• Minors who were victims of sexual extortion experienced a range of psychological, social, environmental, financial and criminal justice impacts, both immediately following the extortion and long after.
• Many child and young adult victims of sexual extortion do not report their experiences. The true rate of victimisation is expected to be much higher than that reported. 
• Perpetrator threats often extend to offline harm and physical assault.
• There is an overlap between victimisation and perpetration of sexual extortion.