Sextortion, a sinister tactic that coerces victims into sharing explicit images or videos by preying on their vulnerabilities and exploiting their trust, has been reported as a growing concern among young people.
Tragic stories have surfaced involving teenagers, worldwide, sparking calls for greater awareness and preventive measures.
The Internet Watch Foundation recorded a startling 257% increase in sextortion reports in the first half of last year compared to the full year prior, underscoring the gravity of the problem.
According to the report, scammers masquerading as girls typically start by flirting with their victims on social media by sharing a phony photograph of themselves in their underwear.
This is done in an attempt to coerce the victim into revealing private photos.
Once the criminals have access to the incriminating material, they launch a barrage of threats, claiming that the victim’s friends and contacts will be exposed to the public, and demand money or more explicit material.
According to Anna Collard, SVP of Content Strategy & Evangelist at KnowBe4 AFRICA, girls and boys are both at risk, but boys are particularly affected.
“Both girls and boys are falling prey to sexploitation, although girls are more often targeted for nude images of themselves, while boys are blackmailed for money. What is so disturbing is that these criminals have such a deep understanding of adolescent psychology,” says Collard.
She further reveals that teenagers are particularly vulnerable due to the amount of time they spend on social media platforms, particularly Instagram.
“There’s also a lack of awareness. Many teens are not fully aware of the risks and tactics used in online exploitation. Criminals make them feel ashamed that they’ve done something wrong, whereas they are the victims.
“They are often seeking validation and may be more susceptible to flattery and manipulation, such as love-bombing, which should be an immediate red flag. Also, their cognitive and decision-making skills are still developing, which can lead to poor judgement in risky situations.”
She reveals that in the wake of this crisis, advocacy groups are rallying for heightened awareness and preventive measures.
Collard further underscores the need for open and honest discussions about cybersafety and the risks associated with sharing personal information and images online between parents and children.
“Cultivating a strong, trusting relationship with teens is crucial so that they feel comfortable and safe sharing their problems with you.”
She recommends that fostering a critical perspective towards digital interactions and keeping an eye on your children's online activity are both wise decisions.
“Don’t trust strangers online. Teens should be cautious about who they interact with and use strong privacy settings on their social media accounts. Above all, individuals should never share explicit content online.’’
The Star