WELLBEING REPORT: SEXTORTION
MRS MANDY MCCALLUM - DIRECTOR OF WELLBEING
Social media is increasingly present in our lives. It offers many benefits for social connections and leisure time. Unfortunately, it does come with risks and young people in particular can be vulnerable to exploitation. While we do educate students about cyber safety, the dangers seem to escalate as quickly as the appearance of new technologies.
It is very disturbing to see that sextortion is increasing, particularly in Australia, where social media platforms are being exploited to target and blackmail victims, many of whom are young men concerned about compromising images being distributed to friends, family, schoolmates, and the wider community. This alarming trend is evidenced by data from Kids Helpline, indicating a rise in cases involving boys between the ages of 14 and 17 being targeted by overseas offenders, however young women are also often targeted. The latest statistics reveal that more than 90 percent of victim reports come from young males. The prevalence of sextortion among young adults underscores the vulnerabilities they face in navigating the digital landscape, where privacy breaches and online exploitation are ever-present risks.
Parental guidance and open communication are crucial in navigating these challenges. Parents should proactively engage in conversations with their children about online safety, privacy, and the risks associated with sharing sensitive information or images. By fostering an environment of trust and support, children are more likely to feel comfortable seeking guidance from their parents if they encounter uncomfortable or pressured situations online. Encouraging open dialogue empowers children to make informed decisions and equips them with the necessary skills to protect themselves in the digital world.
There are many informative sites that you can access to help learn more about this issue, two that I highly recommend are:
SchoolTV - Special Reports - Sextortion ( this can be accessed from our school website)
eSafety
