WHEN AN ONLINE CONTACT STARTS PRESSURING YOU
1 November 2026
Online communication can lead to friendships, but the other person’s identity and intentions are not always clear. Promises of a relationship, gifts, travel or career success are sometimes used to create dependency.
Be alert when someone insists that conversations remain secret, tries to isolate you from people close to you or attaches conditions to their attention. Requests for intimate images, a private meeting or unwanted actions are reasons to seek help. Such situations may involve different forms of abuse, including sexual coercion and exploitation; assessing a specific case is the responsibility of the competent authorities.
How to protect personal boundaries
- Do not treat a profile photo, mutual friends or a video call as sufficient proof that someone is trustworthy.
- You have the right to stop communicating with someone who frightens you or pressures you into doing something unwanted.
- If you are a child, do not arrange a meeting or travel with an online acquaintance on your own. Discuss the situation with a trusted adult.
- If you receive threats, keep the username, profile address and message text when it is safe to do so. Do not download or forward intimate images of children.
Everyday example A new contact promises you a role in an advertisement but asks for secret photos and insists that your parents must not know. Stop the conversation and show the messages to a trusted adult or call 116 111.
Even if you have already shared something personal, you still have the right to protection. The perpetrator is responsible for the coercion. In danger, call 112; if you suspect trafficking, contact 0800 20 100.
Official information and useful resources
Europol on online sexual coercion and extortion
European Commission on recognising trafficking and seeking support
State Agency for Child Protection and the national child helpline 116 111