“The internet is an amazing place – you can get the weather or find out who has the all-time highest score for basketball. All these wonderful things. But it is a tool, just like a screwdriver. It has great utility, but can also be used for bad things,” said an FBI Special Agent during the presentation at Medina High School on Sextortion.
In today’s digital age, where technology is deeply embedded in our daily lives, ensuring our children’s safety online has become more critical than ever. One of the alarming dangers lurking in the shadows of the internet is sextortion—a form of online sexual exploitation where perpetrators coerce individuals, often minors, into providing sexually explicit images or videos under the threat of exposure or other forms of harm. As parents, guardians, or caregivers, it’s our responsibility to educate ourselves about this threat and take proactive measures to protect our children. In this blog post, we’ll delve into what sextortion is, its prevalence, and crucially, what parents can do to prevent their children from becoming victims.
Understanding Sextortion
Sextortion typically begins innocently, often with the perpetrator initiating contact through social media, online gaming platforms, or other digital avenues where young people spend their time. They may pose as a peer or someone trustworthy to establish a connection with the victim. Once trust is gained, the perpetrator gradually manipulates the victim into sending sexually explicit images or engaging in inappropriate behavior on camera.
Once the perpetrator has compromising material, they use it to blackmail the victim, threatening to distribute the images or videos to friends, family, or online communities unless their demands are met. These demands could range from further explicit material to money or other forms of exploitation.
Predators will try to convince children that their participation makes them guilty of a crime as well, therefore the child victims feel that they cannot get help from law enforcement. This is not accurate. Children who have been victims of sextortion are viewed only as victims. Law enforcement will work with them to target the perpetrator, keep the child safe, and scrub any child sex abuse material (CSAM) that may be produced from the internet. While it is difficult to remove this material, by being aggressive and going after it right away, it can be successfully removed.
Be aware that when your children are online playing games, or chatting in Messenger, there will be people targeting them for exploitation. Often in these scenarios, victims are children who might not have a large friend network and are struggling to fit in. They crave connections that they are not getting.
Most cases with male victims are typically financially motivated, while cases with female victims tend to be motivated by producing more and more Child Sex Abuse Material (formerly referred to as Child Pornography).
Sextortion Information from NCMEC
Streetsborough Teen Victim of Sextortion
The Prevalence of Sextortion
Sextortion is a pervasive issue affecting individuals worldwide, with minors being particularly vulnerable. According to a study by the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), there has been a significant rise in reported cases of sextortion, with a concerning proportion involving minors as victims. The anonymity and accessibility provided by the internet make it easier for perpetrators to target and exploit unsuspecting individuals, amplifying the threat posed by sextortion.
Steps Parents Can Take to Prevent Sextortion
Open Communication
Establishing open and honest communication with your children is fundamental. Encourage them to confide in you about their online activities and their concerns. Let them know they can talk to you without fear of judgment or punishment. Let them know that you are always available to help them and if something happens, you will be there for them.
Educate About Online Risks
Take the time to educate your children about the dangers of online interactions, including sextortion. Teach them to recognize warning signs such as requests for explicit photos or videos, and emphasize the importance of setting boundaries and saying no to inappropriate demands.
Any digital platform with chat capability will be used by perpetrators to reach potential victims – even in games like Roblox.
Some red flags to tell your child to watch for:
- Someone trying to get you to share personal information. For example, if you are chatting with someone in a game and they want to know your real name, the color of your house, your school/school mascot, the name of your pet, the color of your house, your cash tag, etc.
- Someone you are chatting with asking to move the conversation to another (probably less known) app or to Instagram where messages are encrypted
- Someone starts chatting with you and they seem too good to be true. They are too good looking or have too much in common with you.
Parents’ Guide to Smart Phone Safety
Set Clear Rules and Boundaries
Establish clear rules regarding online behavior, including who they can communicate with and what information they can share. Emphasize the importance of privacy and encourage them to think critically about the content they share online.
medinacountychildrenscenter.org/…/Parents-Guide-to-Smart-Phone-Safety.pdf
Monitor Online Activity
While it’s essential to respect your child’s privacy, monitoring their online activity can help identify potential risks or red flags. Use parental control software or monitoring apps to keep track of their digital footprint and intervene if necessary.
Encourage Safe Online Practices
Teach your children to practice safe online habits, such as using strong, unique passwords, avoiding sharing personal information publicly, and being cautious when interacting with strangers online.
Report Suspicious Activity
Encourage your children to report any suspicious or uncomfortable encounters online. Provide them with the necessary resources and support to seek help if they feel threatened or victimized.
Helpful Resources
https://us.norton.com/products/norton-family
https://www.missingkids.org/netsmartz/home
What should you do if you are a victim of sextortion?
Do not delete any of the image or communication with the offender. Do not delete your account. These will be important to preserve for any investigation.
Call local law enforcement
Contact your local FBI Field Office – 216.522.1400
Call or submit a tip to NCMEC at 1.800.THE.LOST or CyberTipline.org
Submit a tip to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov
Conclusion
Sextortion is a distressing reality of the digital age. By staying informed and proactive, parents can significantly reduce the risk of their children falling victim to this form of exploitation. By fostering open communication, educating about online risks, and setting clear boundaries, parents can empower their children to navigate the online world safely and confidently. Together, we can create a safer and more secure online environment.
