Why You Need to Talk to Your Kids About Sextortion Now

The amount of time your kids spend on their phones might drive you up the wall. Sure, you encourage them to balance it with healthier activities, but you might still be thinking, "What harm is it really doing?" The reality is, that lurking in the shadows of their screen time is a serious threat: sextortion. It's crucial to have this conversation with your kids now, to avoid them being targeted and so that they feel safe to talk to you if something should happen.

The Dangers of Sextortion

Sextortion is a form of online blackmail where predators trick or coerce someone into sending explicit images and then threaten to share the images unless their demands are met. These demands could be for money, more graphic content, or sexual favours. According to the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE), they receive about 300 reports of sextortion targeting children each month in Australia. This growing trend is not just about embarrassment; it can lead to serious psychological impacts, including anxiety, depression, and even suicide​ (Australian Federal Police)​​.

Spotting the Red Flags

Here are some signs that your child might be a target of sextortion:

Secrecy about online activities: If your child suddenly becomes very secretive about what they're doing online, it might be cause for concern.

Withdrawal from family and friends: If they start isolating themselves, it could be a sign that something is wrong.

Changes in behaviour or mood: Look out for increased anxiety, depression, or irritability.

Sudden requests for money: If they ask for money without a clear reason, they might be trying to pay off a blackmailer.

Disturbed Sleep Patterns: Changes in sleeping habits, including difficulty sleeping or nightmares, can be signs of distress.

Changes in Eating Habits: Sudden changes in appetite, whether eating too much or too little, can be indicative of emotional stress.

How to Talk to Your Kids About Sextortion

Open the Dialogue Early: Start the conversation about online safety and sextortion as soon as your kids start using the internet. Use age-appropriate language and examples to explain the risks and how they can protect themselves.

Create a Safe Space: Make sure your kids know they can come to you with any problems or fears without fear of punishment or judgement. Emphasise that their safety is your top priority.

Discuss the Consequences: Explain the potential emotional, psychological, and legal consequences of sharing explicit material online. Make sure they understand that once something is online, it can be challenging to remove it.

Teach Them to Recognise Red Flags: Educate your kids about the warning signs of sextortion and encourage them to trust their instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.

Empower Them to Say No: Teach your kids that it's okay to say no and to block or report anyone who makes them uncomfortable online.

Protecting Their Online Presence

Help your kids set up their social media profiles with privacy in mind. Please encourage them to keep personal information private and to only interact with people they know in real life. Regularly review their privacy settings together and talk about the importance of not sharing personal details online.

Creating an environment where your kids feel safe to talk to you about anything is key. Regularly check in with them about their online interactions and reassure them that they won’t be in trouble for coming to you with their concerns. It’s important for your kids to know that no matter how big the problem may feel, there is nothing they cannot work out together.

DADDING IN ACTION

Tonight, sit down with your kids and have a chat about sextortion, letting them know that they can come and talk to you about anything without judgment.

Resources:

For more information on how to prevent and respond to sextortion, visit the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) and ThinkUKnow websites.