Tech Translator

Sextortion

Explained for parents by The Digital Childhood.

What it means

Someone online gets a nude picture from a kid, or makes a fake one, and then threatens to send it to their friends and family unless they pay or send more. It usually starts as a flirty DM from someone who seems like a teen girl, and boys are the most common target. It can go from the first message to a threat in under an hour.

How to bring it up with your kid

"If anybody ever threatens to share a picture of you, you come straight to me. You won't be in trouble, not even a little. Don't pay them and don't send anything else." I'd say this before it ever happens. Take It Down, from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, can help get the pictures taken off the big apps.

The Sunday Script

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