Boys in West Sussex more at risk from 'sextortion'

The Digital Safety Team at West Sussex County Council is telling us more young boys aged 14-17 are being targeted by criminals, extorting them for money.

Hannah Dow from the Digital Safety team said: "Typically the demands are monetary but it can be to illicit more intimate images from the victim as well.

"When we think of sexual based crime, we typically think of young women but in West Sussex we're seeing young boys affected the most.

"Disproportionately, we're seeing it affect more young men in West Sussex with most of the victims being between 14-17 years old.

"Our children are being contacted on social media, most commonly Instagram and Snapchat but also apps such as 'Wizz.'"

What is 'Sextortion?'

Sextortion" is a type of blackmail where someone threatens to share sexual information, photos, or videos about another person. This is often done to get money or force the victim to do something they don't want to do.

Unfortunately, in West Sussex and across the UK sextortion is increasingly happening to boys and young men. Criminals often target them through dating apps, social media, gaming, or pornography sites.

They might pretend to be someone else online to gain trust and then threaten to share images with family and friends.

While individuals can commit sextortion, it's often organized crime gangs behind it.

Sometimes, young people may not realize what's happening to them or understand that it's wrong until later, which can be very distressing.

What to do if you or your child is affected:

• Don’t panic; help and support is available
• Don’t pay
• Save the evidence - take screenshots, save messages and images, collect URL links
• Report it to social media platforms if they happen there
• Block the contact
• Contact the site to get the images removed

It comes a day after Safer Internet Day when the NSPCC were spreading messages urging parents to keep their children safe online.

Sir Peter Wanless, NSPCC Chief Executive said: “We’re pleased to support Safer Internet Day again this year and recognise its importance in raising awareness for a safer internet for young people, encouraging everyone to play their part.

“Today’s children are the first generation to be truly growing up online, but decisions about the online world are still being made without them. And while technology is more popular than ever, avoiding online harm has become more complicated. This year’s theme of young people inspiring change draws attention to the importance of adults listening to and acting on the valuable insights and expertise of children.

“If we are to ensure that every child is safe online then we need to give children a voice on what that safety looks like to them. We’re committed to this within our own work at the NSPCC, amplifying the voices and experiences of children and young people to help keep them safe online.”

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