Navigating Online Spaces: Protecting Yourself from Sextortion
Introduction
"Be on guard when you are online" is a cautionary message often echoed by parents and educators to young people everywhere, emphasizing the evolving dangers of the digital world. While social media offers avenues for fun, education, and social engagement, understanding the intentions of others can be challenging, especially when navigating online platforms in a second language or different cultural environment.
AFS is committed to ensuring the safety of its students. This information aims to raise awareness about the dangers of online exploitation and provide essential tips for students to protect themselves in the digital realm. Even if you feel confident about your online presence, it's crucial to read this article and reach out to your host parents or support volunteers if you have any questions or concerns.
The Rise of Sextortion
Recent reports indicate a surge in cases involving children and teens coerced into sending explicit images (defined as nude or partially nude images) online, followed by demands for money—a crime known as sextortion. This alarming trend affects various teenagers, including exchange students hosted in the United States. Students in American high schools and middle schools may encounter FBI posters warning them about a crime that begins on their smartphones, computers, and game consoles. The FBI's Stop Sextortion campaign seeks to alert young people to the risks they may encounter online, it emphasizes that sexual predators can victimize children or teens in their own homes through the devices they use for gaming, homework, and communication with friends.
How Sextortion Begins
Sextortion typically begins when a predator, pretending to be a peer, reaches out to a young person through a game, app, or social media account. Through deception, manipulation, financial incentives, or threats, the predator convinces the young person to produce explicit content. As resistance arises, the criminal may use threats of harm or threaten to share the explicit photos with others online or otherwise, to pressure the victim into sending more images, perpetuating a cycle of victimization.
The Trust Factor
Many teens feel very comfortable sharing online and may lack the on-guard mentality they would have in face-to-face encounters with strangers. This sense of trust and comfort can be exploited by predators, leading young people to create and send explicit images, initiating the harmful cycle of victimization.
Remember
At a time when online interactions play a significant role in our lives, understanding the risks and signs of online exploitation is crucial. AFS encourages students to stay vigilant, be aware of potential threats, and, most importantly, reach out for help if needed. By fostering a culture of awareness and open communication, we can collectively work towards creating a safer online environment for everyone. Remember, your safety is a priority, and there is always support available from your host parents, support volunteers, and the AFS community.
Getting Help
If you or anyone you know, has been involved in any type of sextortion incident, please talk to your host parents and contact your local support volunteer(s) immediately. You can also contact AFS using the following contact information.
- In case of an emergency involving a participant call 1-800-AFS-INFO, press 9.
- Non-emergency concerns, email: hotline@afsusa.org
Please see the links below for additional resources:
- Think Before You Send
- You Sent a Sext, Now What?
- Sextortion: So, You Need Some Help
- Social Media Safety for Teens