Protecting Kids From Online Predators ('Digital Parenting: Raising the A.I. Generation')

Introduction

In today’s increasingly digital world, the dangers that young people face online aren’t limited to interactions with peers. According to FBI data, there are half a million predators posing daily threats to kids online. One particularly menacing threat is sextortion, where predators coerce victims into sending nude images or performing sexual acts, which are then used as blackmail. This growing peril targets young people with alarming frequency. To help parents safeguard their children from online predators, we’ve gathered insights from experts Farita Shahed, an Internet safety expert, and Abigail Bachio, unit chief of the FBI's child exploitation operational unit.

Current Online Threats

Abigail Bachio explained how the threat landscape has evolved significantly over the past 10 to 15 years. Where it was once uncommon for a single predator in a sextortion case to have 200 to 300 victims, now it’s a frequent occurrence, both in traditional sextortion and financial sextortion, thanks to the reach of technology.

Types of Sextortion

There are two main kinds of sextortion:

Traditional Sextortion: Targets young females between 10 and 17 years old, although children as young as 7 have been victims. The predator manipulates the child into producing explicit content, then blackmails them to send more.
Financially Motivated Sextortion: Emerged around 2021. Similar to traditional sextortion, but the predator quickly extorts money by threatening to ruin the child's life, revealing the content if the money isn’t sent. The process can unfold within minutes, turning the victim into an easy target even while parents are nearby.

Prevention Strategies

Farita Shahed emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space at home where children feel comfortable discussing their online experiences. She advises that parents focus not just on mastering internet safety tools but also on understanding their children’s online behaviors and becoming a safe, non-judgmental space for them.

FBI Assistance

Abigail Bachio assures victims and their families that the FBI considers them victims and will not prosecute children tricked into producing explicit content. The FBI also prioritizes getting victims and families the necessary victim services and thoroughly investigates these crimes to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Personal Insights from Farita Shahed

Farita, who began gaming at 13, shared her personal experience with predators. As a girl gamer, she faced significant attention and harassment. Her ability to trust her mother was crucial in dealing with these issues. Now, with a background in cyber security awareness, she empowers parents and kids through her experiences and expertise.

The SAFE Method

Farita developed the SAFE Method to help parents keep their children safe online:

Safe Spaces: Encourage open communication and trust.
Accountability: Stand by your promise of not getting angry when your child opens up.
Fun: Engage with your child's positive online experiences, and share fun activities.
Empathy: Relate to your child's experiences by sharing your own and conveying understanding and support.

Conclusion

Creating a safe, understanding, and engaging environment is vital for protecting children from online predators. Both Farita Shahed and Abigail Bachio stress the importance of trust, open communication, and partnering with law enforcement when needed.

This NBC News Now special town hall was sponsored by Aura, a leader in family online safety.

To stay updated on breaking news and top stories, visit the NBC News app or follow them on social media.

Keywords

Online Predators
Sextortion
Traditional Sextortion
Financially Motivated Sextortion
FBI
Safe Spaces
Internet Safety
Cybersecurity
Parenting
Child Protection

FAQ

Q: What is sextortion? A: Sextortion is when a predator coerces a victim into sending nude images or performing sexual acts, then uses this content as blackmail.

Q: What is the difference between traditional and financially motivated sextortion? A: Traditional sextortion primarily involves blackmailing the victim to produce more explicit content. Financially motivated sextortion quickly demands money in exchange for not revealing explicit images and can happen within minutes.

Q: How can parents create a safe environment for their kids online? A: Parents can create a safe environment by developing open communication, being non-judgmental, engaging positively with their child's online activities, and sharing their personal experiences to build trust and empathy.

Q: How does the FBI assist victims of sextortion? A: The FBI provides victim services, ensures victims that they won’t be prosecuted, and thoroughly investigates the crimes to bring perpetrators to justice.

Q: What is the SAFE method? A: The SAFE method involves creating Safe Spaces for open communication, ensuring Accountability by keeping promises, sharing Fun activities, and showing Empathy by relating to and supporting the child’s experiences.