A new campaign to protect young people from sextortion has been launched.

The initiative, funded by the Scottish Government and Police Scotland, is run by Fearless, the youth service of Crimestoppers.

Sextortion is a form of online blackmail where criminals threaten to share nude or semi-nude photos of their victims unless demands are met.

The campaign follows a rise in global sextortion cases, which more than doubled in 2023.

Scottish Minister for Victims and Community Safety Siobhan Brown at the launch of the Fearless (part of Crimestoppers) Sextortion Campaign in Glasgow (Image: James Chapelard) Fearless will target young people aged 13 to 21 across Scotland.

The campaign will reach young people through TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram, emphasising that anyone can be affected.

Lyndsay McDade, Fearless Scotland manager at Crimestoppers, said: "We know that sextortion can have a massive and devastating impact on the victim, especially if they feel unable to get help because of embarrassment or fear of being judged or getting into trouble.

“Whilst developing the campaign, I worked with a number of youth groups across the country to find out what young people’s understanding of sextortion was, what gaps we could fill and, importantly, what they would most likely engage with on social media."

Ruby, 15, at the launch of the Fearless (part of Crimestoppers) Sextortion Campaign in Glasgow (Image: James Chapelard) A second part of the campaign offers advice to adults who work with and care for young people, aiming to increase awareness of the crime.

Siobhian Brown, victims and community safety minister, said: "I am pleased that the Scottish Government is jointly funding this important Fearless campaign with Police Scotland which will highlight the growing incidence of sextortion involving our young people.

“I want to reassure young people that this is never your fault, please never panic or pay, but instead get help by speaking with a trusted adult or support service, and report sextortion to the police. Remember, you will come through this and will be supported to do so.”

Steve Johnson, assistant chief constable of Police Scotland, said: "Sextortion is an insidious, despicable crime and is a form of blackmail.

"I would urge anyone who is targeted not to pay, nor should they be embarrassed or scared to report it to police or someone else, such as a parent, friend or a teacher."

Young people are encouraged to speak to a trusted adult, report to the police, or contact Childline on 0800 1111.