Contact the NSPCC Helpline
You can contact our Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000 or emailing [email protected].
Our voice Helpline is available 10am–4pm Monday to Friday. You can email [email protected] at any time for free. You have the option to remain anonymous.
If we have not yet responded to you and your concerns for the safety of a child increase, please contact the police or local Children’s Services directly. Please be assured that we'll action all contacts that our Helpline receives.
Under 18?
Childline offers free, confidential advice and support whatever your worry, whenever you need help.
(Read this page in Welsh - Darllenwch y dudalen hon yn Cymraeg)
We’re working with LGBTQ+ young people (aged 13 to 19) across the UK and Channel Islands to learn more about online blackmail
Whether you’ve been affected by it, involved in it, or just want to share your thoughts we’d like to hear from you.
We know these situations can be complicated. That’s why we want to hear from young people with all kinds of experiences — to understand how it happens, how young people are affected, and what kind of support helps.
Your voice can help shape better services and resources for LGBTQ+ young people.
What is online blackmail?
Online blackmail is when someone tries to influence or pressure another person by saying they’ll share private things. This can include images, videos, messages, or personal information — such as someone’s sexuality, gender identity, or relationships, especially if they haven’t shared this with others.
Online blackmail could include asking for images or videos (like nudes), money, continued contact, or staying in a relationship. Sometimes these private or personal things were shared willingly at first; other times they may have been taken, faked or shared without consent.
Sometimes the person may build trust first by pretending to be someone they’re not. Sometimes, the person may be someone you know in real life.
Online blackmail can happen through private messages, video chats, social media, or other online spaces — and between strangers, friends, family members, or people in relationships.
About the research
This study is led by LGBTQ+ researchers at the University of Birmingham and Nottingham Trent University, in partnership with the NSPCC.
It’s been co-produced with LGBTQ+ young people — meaning they helped design the questions and make sure it reflects real experiences. The research team includes LGBTQ+ people too.
If you have any questions about the interview, you can contact the research team directly. Both researchers identify as LGBTQ+, are trans-affirming, and have experience working on LGBTQ+ topics:
- Dr Willem Stander (he/him)
- Dr Liam Cahill (he/him)
Find out more about the project in the information sheets in the section below.
Want more information or to take part?
You can take part if you:
- are 13 to 19 years old
- live in the UK or Channel Islands
- identify as LGBTQ+.
You don’t need permission from a parent or guardian, and everything is confidential.
Choose how you want to take part...
Want to know more before deciding?
Download our information sheets to find out more.
Support services
If you're feeling scared, pressured, or unsure after experiencing or being involved in online blackmail, support is available.
There are free, confidential services across the UK that can help. Whether you want to talk to someone, understand what’s happened, or get emotional support, the resources below are here for you.
- Switchboard: LGBTQ+ support by phone, chat or email. Call 0300 330 0630 or visit Switchboard
- GALOP: LGBTQ+ help with abuse, violence or hate crime. Call 0800 999 5428 or visit GALOP
- Report Remove (by Childline & IWF): Helps under-18s report and remove sexual images or videos of themselves online.
- CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection): Report online sexual abuse or exploitation (under 18s).
- Childline: Support for under-19s by phone, chat or email. Call 0800 1111 or visit Childline
- The Mix: Support and advice for under-25s on anything you're going through. Call 0808 808 4994 or visit The Mix
- Shout: 24/7 mental health support via text for young people. Text SHOUT to 85258 or visit Shout
- YoungMinds: Mental health information and support for young people. Visit YoungMinds
- Papyrus: Suicide prevention and mental health support (under 35s). Call 0800 068 4141, Text 07860 039967 or visit Papyrus
- Rape Crisis: Support for anyone aged 16+ affected by sexual violence. Call 0808 802 9999 or visit Rape Crisis
- The Survivors Trust: UK-wide support for survivors of sexual violence. Call 08088 010 818 or visit The Survivors Trust
In partnership with...
