sadistic online exploitation

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Being online can be fun and positive, but there are also risks. We want you to know about one risk that is affecting young people right now. It involves others who might be online with the plan to hurt you or people you know. It's called Sadistic Online Exploitation (SOE). If this is something that you or someone you know is experiencing, it is not your fault and there is help available.   

Please be aware that we will be talking about topics such as self-harm and suicide. It's okay to take breaks or do things that help you look after yourself when reading this. Please reach out for support if you need to. Services are listed here.  

 

What is Sadistic Online Exploitation (SOE)?  

Sadistic Online Exploitation is when someone uses the internet to hurt, scare, and control others. People do this because they enjoy feeling powerful and causing other people harm. This can include emotional, physical or psychological abuse online.  

These people often trick, manipulate, or pressure children and young people into doing things that are dangerous or wrong. They do not do this for money, but because they like feeling powerful and seeing someone else feeling hurt. This is never ok.   

How does this happen?  

People who do this often target children or young people on games, social media, or chat forums. They pretend to be friendly and build trust. Then they trick or pressure the person into doing things that are dangerous or wrong. It’s not always easy to know when someone is trying to harm you online because they use a range of tricks and lies to gain your trust. Here are some of the things they do:  

  • Pretend to be your friend or romantic partner - These people will start by trying to be your friend online. They connect with you and may even ask you to be their girlfriend or boyfriend. They are really convincing and make you feel special and connected at first. Often this can be at a time when you are looking for a friend or feeling a little alone. It can also happen when you are going through a tough time at home or with friends. It might be when things are stressful or big changes are happening, like moving schools.   
  • Making harmful stuff seem normal – They may slowly add sexual, violent, or shocking content into chats so it feels normal. You might feel like you need to go along with it so they like you, even if it makes you feel uncomfortable.   
  • Trying to isolate you from your supports – They might tell you not to tell anyone (family) about what they are saying or doing to you online. They may make you feel like they are your only support and that they really care about you.   
  • Using pressure and threats to make you do things that are unsafe – They may say things like “If you really cared about me or the group, you’d do this”. They may threaten to embarrass or hurt you. They may also tell you that you will get into trouble if others find out. 
  • Not taking no for an answer- they ignore you when you say ‘stop’ or ‘no’ and keep pushing   

What do they ask you to do?  

Once they feel they have control over you, they may try to pressure, force or scare you into doing harmful things, like:  

  • Making and sending sexual images or videos of yourself to share with them or on online platforms  
  • Hurting yourself on camera (including cutting, burning, or other extreme self-harm). This might include cutting specific letters or words on to your skin (cut signing) or writing words in blood (blood signing).  
  • Harming animals, including pets  
  • Hurting or assaulting another child, sometimes a sibling 
  • Starving yourself or pressuring you to lose weight in dangerous ways 
  • Sharing your private information (which could lead to being doxxed – having your personal info shared online – or swatted – where someone makes a fake emergency call about you) 
  • Taking your own life on a live stream 

 

These are serious emergencies. If someone is pressuring you to hurt yourself, hurt someone else, or end your life and making you feel like you have no choice- it's not true. Your life matters and help is available now.   

If this is happening to you, it’s important to know: 

  • This is not your fault and you are not to blame.
  • Help is available and you don’t have to face this alone. The police are aware that these crimes are taking place and want to help you.  
  • Speaking up is the first step to getting your safety and power back and you won’t get into trouble 

Who can help me if I’m experiencing SOE?  

If you are under 18, you or an adult you trust can report SOE to the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE)

If you are 18 or older, you should report SOE to your local state or territory Police.

You don’t have to face SOE alone — these services are here to help keep you safe. 

If you feel like hurting yourself or are thinking about suicide, it’s important to ask for help immediately.  

  • If you are in danger, call 000 immediately  

  • Talk to someone you trust — a family member, teacher, or health worker  

  • Contact headspace for free, confidential support (headspace.org.au) or call Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800 (kidshelpline.com.au).  

  • The Australian Federal Police (AFP) investigate these crimes and work to keep young people safe.  

How can I look after myself? 

  • Stay connected with people who you trust and support you  

  • Take breaks from online spaces that make you feel stressed and let someone know if you feel unsafe online  

Remember  

You are not alone, and this is NOT your fault. SOE is serious, but help is available. Reaching out for support is brave and can make a real difference. 

The headspace Content Reference Group oversee and approve resources made available on this website.  
 
Last reviewed October 2025.

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