Internet Safety Month: Sextortion
Sextortion is unfortunately a common form of child sexual exploitation in which children and teens are blackmailed by a person online with the threat of publicly sharing nude or sexual images of themselves. Most often, these graphic images are obtained through deceit, coercion, or have been sent to the perpetrators by other individuals. Sextortion can be perpetrated by strangers a child has met online through social media or gaming platforms or even individuals who the child believed was a trusted friend.
According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, teenage boys are being targeted most often for sextortion. In 2023, their CyberTipline received over 180,000 reports of online sexual enticement including sextortion, an increase of 323% since 2021.
What Can Parents Do?
Have Open Conversations With Your Child
Parents should have frequent conversations with their children about online dangers and internet safety. Additionally, parents should discuss the temptation to send sexual images or “sext” with others and warn about the consequences of sending nude images.
Seek Out Professional Help
When children become targets of sextortion, they frequently experience intense feelings of shame, embarrassment, anxiety, and depression, which can elevate the likelihood of self-harm and suicide. Counseling offers a valuable avenue for children to address and navigate these challenging emotions effectively.
Pathways Community Counseling Center offers low-cost counseling services for all ages. Contact us today if you or your child needs support.
Questions, Schedule a Counseling Session, or Need to Enroll Call: (949) 303-9016
Written By: Aspen Dyer, ACSW
