Sextortion is a digital crime in which an individual (often a predator) threatens to share intimate images, videos, or messages of a victim unless a demand — be it monetary compensation, additional explicit content, or other forms of compliance — is met. Children and teens are prime targets because they can be more vulnerable to manipulation and less aware of the dangers associated with sharing personal content online.
Cyber Safety Cop Founder Clayton Cranford will be presenting “Social Media & Youth: AI, Threats & Solutions” at this summer’s Campus Safety Conference being held in Austin, Texas, July 21-23. For more information and to register, CLICK HERE.
Engaging in open and honest conversations with children about online safety is critical to preventing them from becoming victims of sextortion/online blackmail and ensuring they feel comfortable seeking help if something alarming occurs.
Conversation Example 1: Setting the Stage for Future Online Safety Discussions
Parent: “I know you’ve been spending time online lately, chatting with friends, and meeting new people through your games. Can we talk about how to stay safe while you do that?”
Child: “Sure, I guess. But I’m careful. I don’t talk to strangers.”
Parent: “I’m really glad to hear that you’re being careful. You might notice some people online who seem friendly but eventually start asking personal questions or try to get private photos from you. If that ever happens, you can come to me right away. I will not be mad; I just want to make sure you’re protected.”
Conversation Example 2: Addressing a Red Flag
Parent: “I noticed someone has been messaging you a lot. It’s normal to make friends online, but are they asking for anything unusual?”
Child: “Well, they said they like my pictures and want more. But I think it’s a bit weird because we only just met.”
Parent: “It’s important to listen to that feeling. If something feels uncomfortable, it usually means it’s not right. Why don’t we check your privacy settings and figure out how to block them if they cross the line? And if they ever threaten you or make you feel unsafe, please tell me right away.”
Conversation Example 3: Validation and Support
Parent: “I want you to understand that no matter what happens, we can work through it. If someone is threatening you or making you feel guilty about something, you can come to me. We’ll get help together and make sure you’re safe. There is nothing so terrible that you can’t share it with me.”
Child: “I’m glad you said that because sometimes, I worry about getting in trouble if something goes wrong.”
Parent: “You won’t get in trouble for being honest. Your safety and well-being come first. We can talk to law enforcement, a trusted counselor, or a teacher to ensure the situation is handled properly.”
Related Article: How to Prevent Sextortion and Protect Children
Clayton Cranford
Clayton Cranford is the founder of Cyber Safety Cop. He is a retired Sergeant from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, where he served as a School Resource Officer, Juvenile Investigator, Crisis Negotiator, and Behavioral Threat Assessor. Clayton is recognized as one of the nation’s leading law enforcement educators on social media, child safety, teen drug abuse prevention, and behavioral threat assessments. He authored the definitive parent guide to online safety, “Parenting in the Digital World,” and his new book, “Screen Time Standoff: Negotiation Skills to Unplug Your Kid.” His books, course information, and other educational material can be found at his website: www.cybersafetycop.com.
NOTE: The views expressed by guest bloggers and contributors are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, Campus Safety.
