Gavin’s Law and the “Take it Down” Act: Important Information for Parents and Guardians

Gavin’s Law was signed into law by Governor McMaster in 2023. It criminalizes "sextortion"—the act of blackmailing someone using sexually explicit images or videos. According to the  South Carolina Department of Education, this law classifies sexual extortion as a felony offense, and as an aggravated felony if the victim is a minor, a vulnerable adult, or suffers bodily injury or death as a result of the crime.

The law is named in memory of 17-year-old Gavin Guffey, a Rock Hill High School graduate who tragically died by suicide after being a victim of sexual extortion. His father, S.C. Representative Brandon Guffey, has since dedicated himself to raising awareness and advocating for change.

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In 2025, the President of the United States signed the federal “Take it Down” Act into law, further strengthening protections against online sexual exploitation.

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How Parents Can Help Protect Their Children Against Sexual Abuse and Exploitation

• Watch these videos featuring Representative Brandon Guffey, father of the bill’s namesake, to learn more about the issue and advocacy efforts.

• Talk to your kids openly and honestly. Let them know you don’t expect them to keep bad secrets and encourage them to share anything that makes them uncomfortable.

• Explore the Take it Down initiative, which focuses on protecting children from online sexual exploitation.

• Use resources from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which offers free, high-quality publications to help educate families.

• If you suspect your child is experiencing sexual extortion:

• Report the incident to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s CyberTipline or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

• Contact your local law enforcement for assistance.

• For immediate emotional support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.