Protecting Your College Student from Sextortion: A Parent’s Guide

As parents, you strive to prepare your children for the challenges they may face in college. While the focus is often on academics, social life, and general safety, another topic that deserves attention is sextortion. In today’s digital age, understanding and discussing sextortion with your college-aged child can significantly mitigate potential risks and protect their well-being.

What is Sextortion?

Sextortion involves the exploitation of individuals and is a form of blackmail where someone threatens to share explicit images, videos, or messages unless the victim complies with their demands. These demands often involve sending more explicit content, paying money, or engaging in unwanted activities. Sextortion can be carried out by individuals, criminal organizations, or even online scammers using automated techniques.

This often begins with the perpetrator establishing trust with the victim by pretending to be a romantic interest online (often using fake profiles). In some cases, they hack into personal devices or social media accounts to obtain private content. Next, they convince the victim to send explicit photos or videos, often under false pretenses. The perpetrator may even send fake explicit images first, claiming to be of them. Once the perpetrator has compromising material, they threaten to share it with the victim’s family, friends, employer, or online if demands aren’t met. If the victim complies, the perpetrator often continues demanding more. If the victim refuses or blocks the perpetrator, the threats may escalate, or the material might be shared. This form of cybercrime preys on vulnerability and trust, particularly among young adults navigating relationships and social interactions online.

Impact on College Students

College campuses, with their vibrant social scenes and extensive use of digital communication platforms, unfortunately, provide fertile ground for sextortion perpetrators. The emotional and psychological impact on victims can be devastating, leading to feelings of shame, anxiety, and even depression. Moreover, the financial demands associated with sextortion can create significant distress, affecting academic performance and overall well-being.

Conversation Tips for Parents

1. Open Dialogue: Initiate a non-judgmental conversation about online safety, emphasizing that you’re there to support and protect them.
2. Define Sextortion: Explain what sextortion is in clear terms. Emphasize that anyone can be a target, and it’s essential to be cautious about sharing personal content online.
3. Recognizing Red Flags: Discuss warning signs such as receiving unsolicited requests for personal information or intimate images from unknown individuals.
4. Setting Boundaries: Encourage your child to set boundaries regarding the type of content they share online and with whom. Remind them that it’s okay to say no, block people that make them uncomfortable, and to trust their instincts.
5. Digital Literacy: Teach them about privacy settings on social media platforms and the importance of strong, unique passwords. Encourage them to think critically about what they share online.
6. Report and Block Perpetrators – Do not engage with them. Report to social media platforms and law enforcement.
7. Support Resources: Familiarize yourself and your child with campus resources, including counseling services for emotional support.

By addressing sextortion openly and proactively with your college student, you empower them to navigate the digital world responsibly and confidently. Your guidance can make a significant difference in safeguarding their personal and emotional well-being. Starting these conversations early and maintaining an ongoing dialogue is key to building trust and ensuring your child feels comfortable seeking your guidance whenever they encounter challenges online.