understanding sadistic online exploitation

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Being online can be fun and positive for young people, but there can also be risks. We want you to know about one risk that is affecting young people right now. Sadistic Online Exploitation (SOE) is a very dangerous form of online abuse targeting children and young people.  

Understanding what SOE is can help you recognise warning signs, respond with compassion and enable you to assist the young person to find the support they need.

Some reading this may be here because they want to understand the issue so that they can be aware of what to look out for and steps to prevent it. Others may be navigating the distress of knowing or suspecting that a young person they care about has been affected. Wherever you are starting from, you can play a vital role in helping young people feel safe, believed and supported.   

What is Sadistic Online Exploitation (SOE)?  

Sadistic Online Exploitation (SOE) is a form of online abuse where a person is deliberately harmed, humiliated, or made to suffer for someone else’s gratification or status. Offenders do this to gain approval in online groups where sharing content of people experiencing distress or harm is treated as entertainment.

How does this happen?  

  • Offenders seek out young people on social media and online gaming platforms.
  • They groom young people, most often girls, by pretending to be their friends or love interests. 
  • Initially young people are engaged through common interests and are made to feel special or part of a group or relationship. 
  • Over time, the behavior becomes more sinister, with the offenders introducing content or ideas that they present as normal, which are in fact harmful or distressing. 
  • Young people can then by manipulated or threatened into creating and sharing content themselves 
  • Unlike other types of online harm, SOE is not motivated by financial gain, rather by notoriety or status.

 

Examples of SOE include

  • Taking and sharing explicit videos of themselves, this can include
    • Sexual acts
    • Self-harm
    • Harm to an animal
    • Harm to another child
  • Self-harming behavior is often extreme or includes particular requests such as cutting specific letters or words into their skin or using their blood to write words or names
  • In extreme cases this can also include pressure to end their lives
  • Deliberately spreading lies, rumors, or editing images to damage a young person’s reputation or relationships

 

While methods may differ, the common factor in all forms of SOE is intentional cruelty. It goes beyond online bullying, and it is a serious crime. If you are concerned that a young person you know is being targeted for SOE it is important to take action.   

Your care for the young person and support in accessing help can make all the difference.   

Warning signs

Warning signs that a young person may be experiencing SOE can vary but may include:

  • Sudden changes in mood or behavior 
  • Increased secrecy around phone or online use 
  • Showing signs of fear or distress when receiving messages 
  • Withdrawal from friends or activities they used to enjoy 
  • Sleep issues, appetite changes, headaches, or stomach aches 
  • New or unexplained injuries (cuts, burns, etc) particularly words or letters cut into the skin 
  • Persistent feelings of guilt, anxiety, or shame  

These signs don’t always mean exploitation is happening, but they are a prompt to check in and offer support.    

Talking about SOE with a young person  

Starting a conversation about online safety, including SOE, can feel frightening and difficult. But it will help young people feel more prepared and supported if something happens or is already happening. What matters is that the young person knows, no matter what, that they have someone safe they can turn to for support if they feel unsafe or unsure about a situation.    

Here are a few tips to start the conversation...

  • Choose a calm, everyday moment to chat. Explain in simple terms that while the internet can be great in lots of ways, some people use the internet to hurt or scare others. Ask them what they know already 
  • Acknowledge that it might feel confusing, especially if someone they think is their friend is also trying to harm them 
  • Let them know it’s never their fault if someone pressures, threatens, or manipulates them, and that they can always come to you without fear of getting into trouble 
  • You might say, ‘If you ever feel unsafe or pressured online, you can always tell me. I’ll listen first, believe you, and we’ll figure out what to do together’  

  

How you can help  

If a young person is being targeted by SOE you can play a powerful role in supporting them by:

  • Believing them if they say something is wrong 
  • Staying calm and taking time to respond 
  • Listening without judgement and allowing them to talk in their own time 
  • Reassuring them it’s not their fault (the offender is responsible)  
  • Helping them access professional support if their mental health is impacted or legal support is needed 
  • If you know or believe a child or young person is a victim of SOE, you need to report to the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE)

 

If you are over 18, you can also report SOE to your local state or territory Police. 

What to do if SOE is happening to a young person you care about   

AFP and eSafety recommendations:  

  • Stop all contact with the offender 
  • Take screenshots. Collect as much evidence as you can such as the offending username, their profile details or URL’s  
  • Don’t comply with demands—you could be increasing risk 
  • Report it quickly, using the right channel for their age (see above) 
  • If they’re in immediate danger, call 000  

 

ACCCE also offers a clear response kit for young people (aged 13-17) to explain what happens after reporting https://www.accce.gov.au/report  

 

Looking after yourself

Supporting a young person impacted by online exploitation or harm can be emotionally overwhelming. It’s important to look after your own wellbeing alongside supporting the needs of the young person you care for.   

This might include;   

  • Reaching out to family and friends for support. You can also access professional and help and support services  
  • Consider the things you do every day that support your wellbeing and take breaks where you need to    

Where to get help

Reporting SOE for young people under 18 years of age   

Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation

Reporting SOE for young people over 18 years and other online harm:  

All instances of SOE or suspected SOE should be reported to state and territory police if the victim is over 18.

ACCCE Resources: 

https://www.accce.gov.au/help-support/sadistic-online-exploitation

https://www.accce.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-07/Sadistic%20Online%20Exploitation%20Factsheet_AFP-JPC3-ACCCE_Jul2025.pdf

In an emergency contact:

National Mental Health Supports/Resources:

 

For translation support contact:  

Remember  

SOE is never the young person’s fault. With your understanding and support, keeping young people safe is possible.  

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

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