Urgent warning to parents

Protect your children from sextortion

Consider sharing some aspects of this article with your children (taking their developmental stage and age into account).

“Sextortion, an alarming cybercrime, is rising and children are increasingly falling victim to it. Many parents believe their children are immune to such threats, but the reality is starkly different,” says Mike Bolhuis, Specialist Investigators into Serious Violent, Economic Crimes & Cybercrimes.

Sextortion is not limited to the digital realm.

Victim’s story: a traumatic experience with sextortion
The Platinum Weekly interviewed a sextortion victim who wishes to remain anonymous. Today, she is a bright, beautiful, strong woman. But when she was 14, she faced a devastating experience.

The beginning
As a learner at a well-known school in Rustenburg, she had a crush on a matriculant. “He was really handsome and soon contacted me via WhatsApp. He was so sweet and romantic. I felt flattered that a senior was interested in me, a nobody!”

The harassment
The messages soon turned creepy. “He sometimes asked me what I was wearing and other inappropriate questions. He asked me to share photos, which I refused because I was too shy. Then he took my profile picture, edited it to make me look naked and cheap, and shared it on several social media platforms. This was before social media platforms were effective at blocking illegal or explicit content.”

The impact
“I was so ashamed. My father was the first to see the photo and thought it was real. It felt like my world was falling apart.”
Her parents and the matriculant’s parents spoke, and he removed the images. She decided not to press charges. “I didn’t want to make it worse. Kids in my school started calling me derogatory names and asking for inappropriate favours. My self-worth was shattered.”
“Little did I know that a few months later, I and another girl in our school would be raped by the same boy.”

Moving forward
Despite the trauma, she has grown into a resilient individual, but her experience underscores the severe impact of sextortion on young victims. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of educating and protecting our children from online or other predators.

Call to action
This story highlights the urgent need for awareness and proactive measures against sextortion and predators. Parents, educators, and communities must work together to safeguard children and provide the support they need to navigate the digital, social, and school environment safely.
Protect your children by staying informed, communicating openly, and fostering a safe environment for them to share their experiences.

Who is REALLY contacting you from the other side of the world?

When engaging online, especially in interactions that become personal or intimate, it’s crucial to remember that you have no idea who you are really speaking to. Digital sextortionists often disguise themselves with fake identities, presenting themselves as trustworthy, romantic, or friendly individuals. 

These predators can be highly skilled at manipulating their victims, creating a false sense of security and intimacy. 

They may pose as peers, potential romantic partners, or even authoritative figures, but their true intentions are malicious. Always exercise extreme caution in online interactions, and remember that the person on the other side of the screen might not be who they claim to be. Protect your personal information and be wary of sharing anything that could be used against you.

What is sextortion?
Sextortion occurs when someone coerces an individual into providing money or sexual images or favours by threatening to release sensitive photos or videos online. “Studies reveal that 1 in 20 adolescents experience this trauma,” says Mike Bolhuis, Specialist Investigators into Serious Violent, Economic Crimes & Cybercrimes.

Who is at risk?
Sextortion can affect any child or young person, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. The common factor among victims is internet access.

Importance of online safety education
Educating children about online safety is crucial. They need to understand digital risks, digital citizenship, and how to stay safe, legal, and ethical online.

The impact on victims
Victims of sextortion may experience intense fear and shame, making it difficult to speak to parents or caregivers.

Perpetrators’ tactics
Manipulation: They use flattery, compliments, and the pretence of romantic relationships to lure victims.
Deception: They lie about possessing sensitive images and threaten to distribute them if demands are not met.
Coercion: Once they obtain an initial image, they use threats of exposure to demand more explicit material.

What parents can do
Communicate early and often: Discuss sex, consent, online activities, and safety based on your child’s age and developmental stage.
Educate on online predators: Explain how predators camouflage their identities and reassure children that they can ask for help.
Build trust: Foster a relationship of trust with your children, so they feel comfortable reporting any suspicious activity.

IMMEDIATE ACTION
If you suspect your child’s devices have been compromised or that they might be a victim of sextortion, contact Mr. Bolhuis immediately.
Stay vigilant, educate, and communicate to protect your children from this serious threat.

Insights from a local businessman: overcoming sextortion
We also spoke with a local influential businessman in Rustenburg whose family member was a victim of sextortion. He shared the following advice: “Sextortion can drive people to extreme despair, even considering suicide, but it’s important to remember that it’s not the end of the world. The situation can be resolved. One crucial piece of advice: never, ever take explicit photos with your face visible. If you feel compelled to take such photos, ensure your face is not in them. This reduces the risk of being blackmailed. If someone tries to blackmail you, you can always claim the photo is photoshopped and deny it’s you. Above all, do not let the blackmailers win. Report them and seek help. They must be stopped from causing further harm.”