Sextortion is a type of cyber extortion. It involves the threat of having sexual information, images or clips shared. It is a discussion that we Gen X parents didn’t have with our parents and therefore many of us are totally oblivious of what is going on in our teenager's and young adults' lives. But don’t be naive and think your child is too smart to do something which is now so normalized. Discuss the dangers with them and make sure they know you will be there to support them if they become prey to sextortion.

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'Sextortion’ as a crime is a growing trend, treated with a national campaign by the FBI in the United States - and a conversation that really needs to be had between parent and child before starting secondary school or university. Kids are committing suicide after being targeted by organised crime gangs who pose as ‘friends’ through gaming apps and social media, gradually gaining trust before swiftly resorting to blackmail and extortion once explicit images are shared. The threats against kids make them think there is no where to turn to - and that more damage might happen to family, friends, school if they open up.

Have the conversation - at least let them know they can turn to you for absolutely anything.

 

18,000 cases of sextortion reported in USA in 2021, likely many many more

60% of children in the UK have been asked for a sexual image or video of themselves (source: Lucy Faithfull Foundation).