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By Diane Nelson

 

I recently attended a presentation on teen predators, teen trafficking, and teen suicide, which included information about teen sexting, sextortion, and all the unintended consequences of teen activity online. It was presented by Homeland Security officers who investigate cyber crimes that specifically target teenagers.  

Since February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, it resonated with me that this information is something we all need to know.

The first question from the participants was: What is the precursor or connection to the extortion of kids? Answer: exploitation.  How is that accomplished?  Online. Scary stuff!

We are becoming more and more cognizant of the ways people are scammed online.  For kids, it is more diabolical since kids don’t have a “long view.”  Predators search for teens on TikTok, Snapchat or Facebook; some are even found through “Gaggle” on classroom Chromebooks.  

Once identified, the child’s profile will identify friends, family members, activities, likes, dislikes, and school information. The predator might capture a photo from some random person (around the same age), and begin a conversation with the teen, citing all the stuff they have in common (because it’s all out there).  

The targets are those who want to be loved, seen and accepted. Conversations might be accompanied by “Love Bombing,” including compliments, declarations of love, and other comments. Familiarity is established quickly since this person knows so much about them. How is that possible? The information is right there in their profile. 

Once the trap is set and trust is established, there’s a request for a photo…and then another one…all shared online or by phone. Sometimes, these photos are sexual in nature. Once “sent,” it belongs to the predator to do with as they please. The victim gives it all in “friendship and trust.” They lose it all immediately, and they are trapped.  

The predator can now ask them for more and more photos and then money. The price for noncompliance is the distribution of the images to the victim’s book of friends. Sextortion! Once out there, the victim becomes an object of cyberbullying and harassment at school. Shame keeps the victim silent. Fear keeps them isolated.  

Department of Homeland Security reports that many predators originate from the IVORY coast.  Much of the activity is conducted through Internet cafes. 

Project iGuardian, through DHS, uses education and awareness to keep children and teens safe from online predators. Its goal is to teach kids about the dangers of the dark web and how they can keep themselves safe. They also have a tip line and teach the warning signs of suspicious activity. They provide links to more information and assist parents and kids to keep everyone safe online. Project iGuardian is the official in-person educational arm of their Know2Protect campaign, which focuses on preventing and combatting online child sexual exploitation and abuse. 

Why is this so important? Because kids are going to be kids. And they don’t know what they don’t know! It is up to us to help them understand and keep themselves safe. 

For more information, contact Steps to Hope at 828-894-2340 or visit stepstohope.org.