Sexploatation: Clicks and Conversations

Sextortion is an alarming threat targeting teens online, exploiting trust and loneliness. Awareness, strong privacy practices, and access to support resources are crucial for keeping young people safe in today’s digital world.

In today's digital age, where connections are made with clicks and conversations happen instantly, it's so important to be aware of the lurking dangers that can turn a friendly conversion to a living nightmare.

One nightmarish situation teens are finding themselves in more and more is sextortion. This is a form of exploitation where someone you're chatting with online, gains your trust and then convinces you into sending explicit images or videos. They then threaten to expose said images/videos unless you send them money.

These predators often use Instagram and Snapchat, targeting young boys between 10-15 years old. They start off with a fake friendship, building up trust and a sense of false security before asking for anything from their “target”. One young teen, Ryan Last, a 17 year old from California, was approached and deceived by someone pretending to be a young girl to get him to send intimate images. These images were then used to blackmail Ryan into sending $5000, however, when he said that he cannot afford that, the blackmailer reduced it to $150. 

Even after paying the $150, more demands followed, day after day. Eventually, Ryan couldnt take it anymore and committed suicide, but not before leaving a note expressing his regret for not realizing that he was being deceived earlier.

This sort of scam usually works on teens because there’s often a feeling of safety behind a screen. Many also struggle with loneliness, this opens them up to peer pressure and loneliness which makes them more vulnerable. Also, when these incidents happen, a lot of teens will feel fear and embarrassment which stops them from telling anyone or asking for help. This is exactly what these predators count on, they rely on fear to keep themselves safe from being found out.

If you or someone you know has or could fall prey to this kind of scam, here are a few tips and resources for you to use and share for protection:

• Be Skeptical, don't engage with someone you dont know online no matter what.

• Don’t Share Explicit Content, once you hit send, you’ve lost control over that thing.

• Use Your Privacy Settings, Adjust your social media setting to limit who can contact you.

• Talk To Someone, If you've already done anything, you're being threatened or feel uncomfortable, reach out to a trusted adult, parents, teachers, police.

• Report Them! Platforms like Cybertip.ca or NeedHelpNow.ca allow you to report online exploitation as well as social platforms.

Resources and Support

• NeedHelpNow.ca: Offers guidance for youth dealing with online exploitation.

• Cybertip.ca: Canada's tip-line for reporting the online sexual exploitation of children.

• Kids Help Phone: Provides 24/7 counselling and support for young people in Canada.

Remember, you're not alone, and there's no shame in seeking help. Protect yourself and your peers by staying informed and vigilant.