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Online Safety and Digital Abuse Awareness

online abuse

In today’s digital world, children and teens face increasing risks online—from inappropriate content to digital grooming and exploitation. We encourage parents, caregivers, and community members to learn about the warning signs, legal consequences, and available support to keep our children safe.

Recommended Resources

Sextortion: What Parents and Youth Need to Know

Sextortion is a serious and growing threat where children and teens are manipulated or coerced into sharing explicit images online—often by someone pretending to be a peer. Once shared, these images are used to blackmail the victim, causing immense emotional distress and, in some cases, leading to tragic outcomes.

girl on bed with phone and Sextortion word

How Sextortion Happens:

  • Predators often use social media, gaming apps, or direct messages to befriend minors
  • They may pretend to be someone the child’s age and gain trust
  • After obtaining explicit content, they threaten to share it unless the child sends more or pays money

What You Can Do:

  • Talk to your children about the risks of sharing images online
  • Reassure them that they can come to you, no matter what
  • Report incidents to law enforcement and platforms immediately
  • Never blame the child—the shame and fear are often what keep them silent

Sextortion Resources