With Sextortion on the rise, parents encouraged to monitor child’s online activity

As internet usage among teens and young children rises, it’s becoming more and more important for parents to be talking with their children about online safety, while also monitoring what they’re doing. One way that bad actors have been exploiting children online is through a process called sextortion. Tom Brault is an investigator for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and he explains what sextortion is, and how it’s being weaponized against children. 

Brault says sextortion has tragically resulted in multiple children across the country taking their own lives. 

Brault says this is why it’s important for parents to be talking with their kids about the dangers of the internet, and even be monitoring what their child is doing online. 

If you or your child has fallen victim to sextortion, Brault says it’s important to report this to law enforcement, or other child exploitation agencies. 

Again, you should contact your local law enforcement agency or go to report.cybertip.org to file a report if you believe that you or your child is being exploited.