This is one of the hardest Insider Alerts to read and watch. But it is absolutely CRITICAL if you have young people in your life that are online.
Recently we have noticed a heart wrenching trend where extremely successful teenagers chose to take their own life, many within hours, when they realize they are being blackmailed with an online photo, video or live streaming.
This Million Kids Insider Alert shares with you the story of 4 exceptional young men and one very intelligent and talented young lady that made a decision to end their lives because they were overcome with fear and remorse when the sefxtortion began. Even more tragic is that most of the predators were part of organized criminal activity from foreign countries in Africa, Pakistan and the Philippines.
Parents and Grandparents and Caregivers: We implore you to use this Insider Alert to have a conversation with your young people. Certainly it is best that they never send an illicit photo or record an erotic video or live stream with anyone, under any circumstances. But equally important, talk about the horrendous loss when a person takes their own life. Share that everyone believes that it won't happen to them, but as you can see even the smartest, most popular, and well rounded kids can be exploited on the Internet. Let them know that if they ever find themselves in a trap, that they can come to you and you will LISTEN!
Finally, If a child comes to you with a sextortion situation:
DO NOT: Alert the predator that you know. Neither you or the victim should communicate with them.
DO NOT : Delete the photos.- instead Screen Shot them
DO NOT- Share the photos with others. - They are private and personal.
DO NOT: Wag your finger and shame the child.
DO: Immediately take the photos, social media, electronic devices to your local Cyber crimes or Child Sexual Exploitation Investigations Unit of your local law enforcement.
DO: Develop a plan working with law enforcement to protect your family.
DO: Get the child/teen counseling immediately
DO: Get both mother and father counseling separately and develop a plan for recovery
DO: Get other siblings counseling separately from the victim.
If the photos have been distributed at the victim's school or friends, you may want to engage with the school counselor for a recovery strategy.
IF YOU KNOW ANYONE THAT HAS BEEN OR IS BEING EXPLOITED ONLINE:
REPORT IT AT: 1-888-373-7888
WATCH THE VIDEO TO LEARN MORE.
Please note: A criminal complaint, an arrest, or an indictment is a formal accusation or allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Listen to the Million Kids radio broadcast on AM 590 (The Answer) this Saturday at 3:00pm (PST) or if you are out of the area you can listen by logging on to AM590TheAnswer.com or listen to the podcast on Anchor.fm or Spotify.
Learn more at MillionKids.org