The teen boys who ended their lives after being scammed by sextortion gangs

More parents need to talk to their kids about this kind of thing. They need to know they can come to you if things have gone wrong without anger and blame. But also make them aware of resources like Childline (and that it’s not just a phone number anymore!), they may be too embarrassed to speak to a parent or teacher about this but a web chat may be something they’re more open to. Childline are fantastic at helping deal with this if people reach out to them.

CEOP also has good resources for parents and professionals about talking to their kids about online dangers or supporting them with this.

These gangs use fear tactics threatening humiliation or lying that they will be the ones in legal trouble if they come forward. Having open discussions is important to reduce that fear if it ever happens.

It’s why I was very angry to see the sex education consultation was suggesting raising the age of talking about online dangers. This should be taught early and often because many kids have access to the internet and are exposed to these threats well before they turn 13.

The saddest part is that there is no amount of intimate photos you can leak as a teenager that will actually ruin your life.

At worst you’ll need to find new friends. More likely you’d be embarrassed for a few months.

We had a PM who fucked a pig’s head for god’s sake.

Sadly the kids don’t realize that at the time and think their life is over :/