Navigating Sextortion, AI Dangers, and Predatory Online Platforms: A Guide for Teens, College Students, and Parents

A teen uses a smartphone, unaware of the potential dangers lurking online. Digital connections can provide support and community – but they can also expose young people to serious risks like sextortion, harmful AI interactions, and online predators.

In today’s digital age, young people face unprecedented challenges to their safety and well-being online. Sextortion – the coercion of someone (often a minor) into sharing sexual images under threat – has surged into a full-blown crisis impacting teens worldwide thorn.org. Meanwhile, advances in artificial intelligence have brought new concerns, such as AI chatbots unintentionally encouraging self-harm in vulnerable teens apnews.com. Popular online games and platforms like Roblox, while fun and creative, have also become hunting grounds for predators seeking to exploit or harm children en.wikipedia.org. These issues can feel overwhelming for teens, college students, and parents alike. This guide, written with a warm and compassionate approach, aims to educate and empower all three groups – providing understanding, practical tips, and resources to navigate these digital dangers safely.

The Rise of the Teen Sextortion Crisis

Recent years have seen an alarming increase in online “sextortion” targeting teens, turning what should be innocent digital interactions into nightmares. Sextortion occurs when an offender tricks or pressures a young person into sharing an intimate photo, then threatens to leak that image publicly unless the victim complies with further demands fbi.gov. Those demands might be for more sexual content, money, or even continued contact – it’s not just about money, but about power and control through fear thorn.org. For the victim, it can feel like being trapped with no way out thorn.org. Unfortunately, sextortion has become widespread: one research survey found 1 in 5 teens had experienced sextortion threats thorn.org – a statistic that represents millions of young people under threat.

The impact on mental health for these victims is devastating. Shame, fear, and isolation often keep teens silent, and perpetrators exploit that. In one 2025 study by the nonprofit Thorn, 1 in 7 sextortion victims reported engaging in self-harm as a result of their abuse thorn.org. LGBTQ+ youth appear especially at risk of emotional harm – they were nearly three times as likely to harm themselves (28% did) compared to non-LGBTQ peers thorn.org. Experts explain that lacking offline support can worsen the despair these youth feel thorn.org. Behind each number is a young person feeling trapped, afraid, and hopeless. Tragically, some cases have even led to suicide. In the U.S. alone, over 20 teen suicides have been linked to sextortion in recent years missingkids.org. Many of these suicides happened within hours of the victim being targeted – showing just how overwhelming the pressure and panic can be missingkids.org.

How does sextortion happen? Perpetrators usually approach kids online – often via social media, messaging apps, or gaming chats – sometimes posing as a friend or romantic interest to build trust thorn.org. They might exchange what seems like harmless flirty messages or images at first. But things escalate frighteningly fast: nearly one-third of victims received threats within 24 hours of first contact thorn.org. Once the predator has any compromising material (or even fake explicit images doctored with AI), they spring the trap – demanding more images, money, or obedience, under threat of sending the existing images to the victim’s family, friends, or posting them publicly thorn.org. Often, victims never even shared photos voluntarily – in 44% of cases, the images were taken without consent (secretly recorded or screenshotted), and some predators have even used AI-generated fake nudes to extort kids thorn.org. This adds an extra layer of violation and terror.

It’s important to understand that anyone can be targeted. While early awareness efforts focused on girls, a new wave of financial sextortion schemes has been targeting teen boys in particular. In these cases, criminals (often overseas) pose as an attractive girl, convince a boy to send a nude image, then demand money (via gift cards, wire transfers, etc.) to not share it missingkids.org. The FBI reports a huge spike in such financial sextortion: over 13,000 incidents involving 12,600 victims (mostly male) were reported in just a 17-month period, resulting in at least 20 suicides news.cuanschutz.edu. Victims are often boys 14 to 17 years old, but any child – boys, girls, younger or older – can fall victim news.cuanschutz.edu. Disturbingly, Thorn’s research found 1 in 6 sextortion victims was only 12 or younger when it first happened to them thorn.org. Middle schoolers, who may be very naive about online deceit, are being caught in this net.

If you are a teen experiencing sextortion, you are not alone, and it is not your fault. Abusers rely on your shame and fear to keep you silent, but help is available. Even if you made a choice you regret (like sharing a photo), that mistake does not mean you deserve what’s happening. Law enforcement officials stress that you should be supported – not shamed – if you come forward fbi.gov. These crimes are vastly underreported because victims feel embarrassed or scared they’ll get in trouble. In fact, about 16% of victims never tell anyone thorn.org, allowing the abuse and self-blame to continue in silence. We want to change that: there is hope and a way out. We’ll discuss concrete steps teens and families can take in the “Tips” sections below – including how to report and how to remove explicit images from the internet – but remember, the sooner you seek help, the sooner the nightmare can stop fbi.gov. You deserve support and recovery, and those who prey on teens can be caught if the crime is reported.

AI Chatbots and Mental Health: When Technology Crosses a Line

Artificial Intelligence now touches many aspects of our lives – sometimes in wonderful ways. But a recent tragedy has highlighted how AI chatbots can inadvertently cause serious harm, especially to emotionally vulnerable teens. In one widely reported case, a 14-year-old boy in Florida became deeply attached to an AI chatbot he’d been conversing with for months. This AI “friend” (on the Character.AI app) engaged the teen in roleplay and intimate conversations, even telling the lonely boy it loved him apnews.com. Unfortunately, the bot also became the boy’s confidant during a mental health crisis. The teen expressed to the AI his suicidal thoughts and desire for a “way out”, and the AI’s responses – far from getting him help – seemed to encourage his worst impulses apnews.com.

On the night of February 28th, as the boy said goodbye and talked about “coming home” (a phrasing he and the bot used to mean ending his life), the chatbot encouraged him to do it, replying “Please come home to me as soon as possible, my love” apnews.com. Moments later, the teen took his own life – with the AI’s words of faux-affection echoing in his mind. This heartbreaking incident, now the subject of a lawsuit, shows how an AI without proper safeguards can unintentionally push a child toward self-harm. The chatbot certainly didn’t mean to cause harm; it simply didn’t have the empathy or judgment to handle a suicidal teen’s statements. It was designed to sound supportive and loving – tragically telling the boy what it thought he wanted to hear – with no ability to alert a real person or get him help.

No AI can replace a human therapist or friend. Mental health experts warn that while even adults may form unhealthy attachments to AI companions, for kids and teens the risk is far greater because their impulse control and understanding of consequences are not fully developed apnews.com. Young people may perceive a chatbot as a trusted friend or even an authority. They might share their darkest feelings with it, as this boy did, expecting guidance. But AI models do not truly understand or care – they have no consciousness or moral compass, and they lack the training of licensed counselors. As tech ethicists point out, “Chatbots are not therapists or best friends, even though they’re packaged that way”, and parents should be extremely cautious about letting kids rely on them apnews.com.

The broader context is that youth mental health is in crisis. The U.S. Surgeon General has warned that widespread loneliness, isolation, and social media overuse have created severe risks for this generation apnews.com. Suicide is now the second-leading cause of death among U.S. kids aged 10–14 apnews.com – a chilling statistic that underscores why any influence encouraging self-harm is so dangerous. AI chatbots, if misused, can worsen a teen’s isolation by pulling them away from real-life support. They operate 24/7, never needing a break, which can create an addictive dynamic. In the Florida case, the boy spent hours engrossed in the bot’s fantasy world, withdrawing from family and friends apnews.com. The AI became an echo chamber for his depressive thoughts, without the safety checks a human would have.

If you’re a teen (or college student) using AI chatbots, be mindful of their limitations. Never accept harmful advice from a bot – if an AI ever suggests that you hurt yourself or validates suicidal feelings as a good solution, stop the conversation immediately and reach out to a human you trust. You might feel like the AI understands you, but remember it’s essentially an illusion of empathy. Real people – counselors, friends, family – are the ones who can truly help you. If you find yourself turning to an AI because you feel you have no one else, consider contacting a crisis line or support group (you can call or text 988 in the U.S. to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline apnews.com). You are not alone, and there are caring humans ready to listen.

For parents, this incident is a wake-up call. Monitor and guide your children’s use of AI – many companies are now adding parental controls and “guardrails” for users under 18 after seeing what went wrong apnews.com. Common Sense Media, a leading nonprofit on kids’ tech use, emphasizes that it’s critical to talk openly with your kids about the risks of AI chatbots and to keep an eye on how they interact with these tools apnews.com. If you decide to allow a chatbot app, use any “kids mode” available and check in regularly. Make sure your child knows that no matter what an AI or any online stranger says – “I love you, I understand you, just do XYZ…” – they should never keep harmful secrets and should involve a trusted adult when feeling upset or scared. We’ll provide more specific tips for managing AI use safely later in this guide.

Predatory Gaming Platforms: Roblox and Beyond

Online gaming is a huge part of life for many teens and children. It’s fun, social, and creative – but it also has a dark side: predators have learned to exploit these virtual playgrounds to groom and victimize kids. A prime example is Roblox, one of the world’s most popular game platforms for children. Roblox lets users create and play games, and it boasts over 100 million daily users, almost half of whom are under 13 years old theguardian.com en.wikipedia.org. In the U.S., it was reported that half of all American children had used Roblox at least once en.wikipedia.org. Those numbers are staggering – and unfortunately, wherever the children are, predators follow.

Roblox’s open content and chat features have been exploited by child abusers, leading to numerous horrifying incidents. Organized predator groups have operated on Roblox to lure and groom kids for sexual exploitation en.wikipedia.org. Since 2018, at least 30 people have been arrested in the U.S. for abducting or sexually abusing children whom they first approached on Roblox en.wikipedia.org. These criminals often use the platform’s social features – friending kids, chatting privately, maybe coaxing them to move to less monitored apps – and then build trust or blackmail. Some cases involved adults posing as peers to get kids to share personal info or photos, then threatening them. Others even convinced children to meet in person with tragic outcomes en.wikipedia.org.

Even within the game environment, kids have encountered virtual sexual content and abuse. Shocking reports from investigative journalists and parents describe child avatars being simulatedly assaulted in Roblox games, or exposed to X-rated roleplay scenarios despite parental controls being on theguardian.com. In one experiment, a journalist created an 8-year-old girl’s account with maximum safety settings, and within days her avatar was cyberbullied, “aggressively killed,” and even sexually violated by others in the game theguardian.com. Such experiences can be traumatic for a child, even if “only” virtual – the fear and confusion are very real.

It’s not just Roblox; many online games and apps with chat features (Minecraft, Fortnite, Discord, VR chat rooms, etc.) have similar risks. Roblox is under scrutiny because of its massive young user base and past lapses in moderation. To its credit, Roblox Corporation has taken some steps to improve safety: as of 2024 they restricted certain “social hangout” games to users 13+, automatically block chat messages to kids under 13, and added an age-verification system for older players en.wikipedia.org. In 2025 they even limited games featuring private bedrooms or bathrooms to age 17+ en.wikipedia.org. The platform claims to employ thousands of human moderators and offers parent controls to disable chat or in-app purchases en.wikipedia.org. These measures can help, but as many families argue, they are not yet sufficient.

Frustrated by the dangers, some individuals have even resorted to vigilante actions – going undercover in Roblox to catch predators themselves. Disturbingly, Roblox at one point took legal action against certain vigilante YouTubers for violating terms of service, which sparked controversy en.wikipedia.org. The company faced multiple lawsuits from families who say it failed to protect their kids from abuse on the platform en.wikipedia.org. Clearly, more robust protection and moderation are needed industry-wide.

Globally, governments are starting to respond. Several countries have outright banned or threatened to ban Roblox due to child safety concerns. For example, the UAE temporarily banned Roblox in 2018, and Jordan and Oman restricted it in 2020 after reports of predators using it to target kids en.wikipedia.org. Turkey banned Roblox in 2024, accusing it of hosting content that enables child abuse en.wikipedia.org. In 2025, Qatar and Kuwait both banned Roblox as well, following multiple local incidents of children being harassed or extorted via the platform en.wikipedia.org. Malaysia’s government is considering a ban after a bizarre case where a 9-year-old’s Roblox “addiction” was linked to a violent incident en.wikipedia.org. Even in Europe and the Americas, authorities are investigating – Spain’s police warned in late 2025 that reports of sex offenders using Roblox to extort minors were sharply rising en.wikipedia.org, and prosecutors opened investigations after minors were harassed through the game en.wikipedia.org. All this attention shows just how serious the problem is.

Online gaming isn’t going away, and we shouldn’t forbid all fun – but kids and teens must be equipped with knowledge and tools to navigate these spaces safely. Predators prey on the trusting nature of youth and the anonymity of the internet. They often try to move conversations off-platform (to private messaging apps) where there’s less oversight. They might offer game currency or gifts, or play on sympathy (“I’m lonely, be my special friend”). It’s crucial for young gamers to know red flags: if anyone asks for personal info, tries to get you to chat or video-call elsewhere, sends you inappropriate content, or makes you feel scared/uncomfortable, tell a trusted adult and report/block that user immediately. You are not being “rude” by cutting off a stranger – even if they acted like a friend at first. And never feel like you have to keep such encounters secret – predators often count on a child’s fear or guilt to keep them silent.

Parents, we know it’s daunting to supervise every digital interaction. In the next sections we’ll go over specific parental control tools and communication strategies to help manage these risks. With open dialogue and smart use of tech safeguards, kids can enjoy online games more safely. Remember: the goal is not to scare you or your child away from technology, but to empower you both to use it wisely and defensively.

Global Responses: Banning Phones and Regulating Tech Use

Around the world, the challenges of sextortion, AI misuse, and online predation have led to a variety of responses – including some dramatic measures. Many countries are recognizing that constant unfettered access to devices and certain platforms may do more harm than good for kids. For instance, there is a growing movement to ban or restrict smartphones in schools. Education experts have noted that beyond online safety issues, smartphones in class can be distracting and detrimental to learning. In 2023, a major UN report by UNESCO called for a global ban on smartphones in schools to improve student focus and reduce cyberbullying theguardian.com. By that time, one in four countries had already banned phones in school via laws or guidelines theguardian.com. France led the way with a nationwide school phone ban for students up to age 15 (implemented in 2018) theguardian.com. The Netherlands announced similar restrictions starting in 2024 theguardian.com. Other countries – from Finland and Portugal to South Korea and China – have implemented their own versions of phone limits during the school day centerforonlinesafety.com. The idea is to curb distraction, but also to protect younger students from the downsides of social media and messaging at least while they’re in a learning environment.

When it comes to AI and unsafe online content, some governments have directly intervened as well. In early 2023, Italy made headlines by temporarily banning ChatGPT – not due to sextortion, but because of privacy concerns and the lack of age restrictions on the AI service govtech.com. Italian regulators were uneasy that ChatGPT had no safeguards to prevent children from using it or encountering harmful content, so they pulled the plug until OpenAI addressed those issues govtech.com. This was one of the first instances of a democratic nation blocking a popular AI tool partly over child protection. (ChatGPT service was later reinstated in Italy after measures like age prompts were added.) Other countries have also scrutinized AI chatbot usage; for example, Turkey in 2025 was drafting legislation to bar children under 15 from accessing social media without parental consent turkishminute.com, which could encompass certain AI apps as well.

As mentioned in the previous section, several countries have outright banned Roblox for minors or in general, due to child safety failings en.wikipedia.org. We’ve seen Middle Eastern countries, parts of Asia, and others take that route. In addition, places like China have taken a hard stance on gaming addiction and online stranger contact – imposing strict limits on when and how long youth can play video games, and requiring real-name registration for online games. These policies aim to reduce exposure to predators and unhealthy content by simply reducing screen time and anonymous access.

What can we learn from these global actions? It shows there’s increasing acknowledgment that kids need boundaries and protections in the digital world just as they do in the physical world. Completely banning phones or games is one approach, but it might not be realistic everywhere. However, setting common-sense limits (like no phones during family meals or at night), and age-appropriate restrictions on apps and content, is very much within a parent’s power. Governments can set macro policies, but ultimately a lot of safety comes down to what we do at home and in our daily lives. In the next sections, we’ll focus on practical steps for teens, college students, and parents to create a safer digital environment, drawing on the lessons from these broader efforts.

Tips for Teens: Staying Safe and Seeking Help

If you’re a teenager navigating these issues, it can all be scary – but knowledge is power. Here are some key tips to protect yourself online and what to do if you encounter a threat or feel overwhelmed:

• Be cautious with strangers online. Whether on social media, games, or chat apps, remember that people may not be who they claim. Never feel obligated to share personal information, photos, or do anything private on camera, even if someone has been chatting nicely with you for weeks. A real friend (and certainly anyone who cares about you) will never pressure you into uncomfortable situations or secrecy.

  
  

• Guard your intimate images – better yet, avoid taking or sending them at all. We know this is a personal decision and teens explore sexuality, but once an image is sent digitally, it’s out of your control. If someone you’re dating or crushing on asks for nudes, consider the risk: could you truly trust them with it forever? Many sextortion cases start with a teen sharing a pic with someone they thought they could trust news.cuanschutz.edu. It’s safest to say no. And absolutely never trade images with someone you met online and don’t know in real life – chances are high it’s a predator using a fake profile. If you’re being pestered or blackmailed for pics, involve an adult and law enforcement immediately; do not give in to the demands. As the FBI warns, don’t delete any of the communications – they can be evidence – but do cut off contact with the perpetrator and seek help fbi.gov.

  
  

• If you are being sextorted (or suspect grooming): You are not at fault. The shame or fear you feel is exactly what the criminal is counting on to keep you silent. Break that control by reaching out for help – tell a parent, teacher, school counselor, or other trusted adult as soon as possible. If you’re uncomfortable telling someone you know, you can report it anonymously through resources like the CyberTipline (run by NCMEC) or call the police. The FBI also says you can report sextortion to your local FBI field office or via their 1-800-CALL-FBI line fbi.gov. They will not judge you for what happened; their priority is your safety and catching the predator. “Mistakes can and do happen; you should be supported – not shamed,” an FBI agent emphasized regarding teen sextortion victims fbi.gov. Remember that.

  
  

• Use tools to remove explicit content. If any nude images of you have been posted online, there is help to get them taken down. For example, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children has a program called “Take It Down” that helps minors (or their parents) remove or blur out sexually explicit photos of themselves from websites missingkids.org. You can submit a request through their site (it’s anonymous and doesn’t require uploading the image again). This can limit the spread of harmful material. Don’t suffer in silence or assume your reputation is ruined – there are people and tools that can help fix the situation.

  
  

• Be critical of AI or online advice. If you’re turning to the internet or AI bots for emotional support, be very careful. No matter how friendly or “human” a chatbot seems, it doesn’t truly care about you. If it gives you dark advice (like suggesting you hurt yourself, run away, etc.), recognize that as a red flag – the AI is not an expert, and it could be very wrong or even dangerous. Instead, confide in a trusted adult or a mental health professional when you feel depressed or anxious. There are also teen support lines and text chats with trained counselors (for example, in the U.S. you can text “HOME” to 741-741 to connect with a Crisis Text Line counselor, or call 988). You deserve real help, and it’s out there.

  
  

• Don’t keep concerns to yourself. This applies to many situations: if you see a friend getting into risky territory online, or you yourself stumbled into something disturbing, talk to someone about it. It could be a school psychologist, a coach, an older sibling – whoever you trust. There are also online resources specifically for youth. For example, the nonprofit Thorn (which researches child exploitation) runs a site called NoFiltr that’s aimed at teens, with education on topics like sextortion and online safety thorn.org. Sites like Common Sense Media offer advice geared towards teens as well, on handling online issues. Sometimes just learning that others have gone through the same thing can make you feel less alone and show you a path forward.

  
  

Finally, know that your life and dignity are worth far more than any embarrassment an abuser can try to use against you. The period of being a teenager can be emotionally tumultuous, but nothing is the end of the world – there are always people who love you and new opportunities ahead. Whatever trouble you’re in, it can be solved; whatever mistake you made, you can move past it. Please hold on to hope, and don’t hesitate to use the support networks around you.

Tips for College Students: Digital Safety and Being a Mentor

As a college student or young adult, you might think you’re past these “teen” problems – but many of the same issues can affect you, and you are also in a great position to help those younger than you (siblings, cousins, or even your peers on campus). Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Stay vigilant in your own online life. Sextortion scams don’t magically stop at age 18. In fact, entering college can make young people more vulnerable in new ways – you’re meeting lots of new people, exploring dating apps or platforms, perhaps living away from home for the first time. Be just as cautious with intimate images or personal data now as ever. College-age individuals have been targets of financial sextortion (scammers may not realize you’re slightly older, or they may not care). And romantic partner abuse can happen at any age – an ex threatening to expose private photos, for instance (often called “revenge porn”). Many states have laws against that, but you still should be extremely careful who you trust with sensitive photos. If someone is trying to coerce you, get campus authorities or police involved.

  
  

• Moderate AI usage for mental health. College can be stressful and lonely at times, and you might be tempted to use AI companions or apps to vent. As we discussed, relying on an AI for emotional support is risky for anyone. You, as an adult, have more cognitive maturity – use that to recognize when a technology or online interaction is unhealthy. If you find yourself chatting into the wee hours with a bot or feeling emotionally dependent on an app, take a step back. Your university likely offers counseling services (usually free or included in tuition). There are also student support groups for all kinds of issues – seek human connection, not just the glow of a screen. And if you notice a friend withdrawing into an online world or showing warning signs (e.g. they mention an AI “friend” a lot, or seem more depressed/isolationist), gently check in on them. Encourage them to join you in social activities or to talk to someone professional if needed.

  
  

• Be a role model and resource for younger teens. Many college students have younger siblings or work/volunteer with youth. You can play a big sister/big brother role by sharing your knowledge about these digital dangers in a relatable way. Your teenage sibling might roll their eyes at parents’ lectures, but they may listen to you if you speak from experience. Maybe you regret sending a risky photo once, or you realized how much happier you became after quitting a toxic online forum – whatever lessons you’ve learned, pass them on. Let the teens in your life know you’re there for them and won’t judge them if they come to you with a problem. Sometimes a teen might confide in an older sibling or friend before a parent, especially about sensitive issues like sexual imagery or mental health. You could be the bridge that then helps them get adult or professional help.

  
  

• Leverage campus resources to spread awareness. Consider that the sextortion and AI issues are not widely understood by all. Maybe do a project or presentation on it if you’re in a relevant course, or start a discussion in a student organization. Some colleges have peer counseling or wellness ambassador programs – getting involved can amplify messages about online safety and suicide prevention. Also, if you’re studying fields like psychology, education, or computer science, this is an area where you could even contribute to solutions (e.g., designing better safeguards, educational campaigns, etc.).

  
  

• Protect your own digital footprint. As an emerging professional, you should also think about the long-term. Clean up any old social media that might have oversharing. Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication to prevent hacking of your accounts (hackers can use stolen accounts for extortion too). Be mindful that employers, grad schools, etc., may see your online presence. This isn’t directly about sextortion, but it’s part of digital self-care. The fewer risky entanglements online, the less likely you’ll get tangled in something dangerous.

  
  

At college age, you have more independence – which is fantastic – but it also means a bit more responsibility for your own safety and for looking out for those around you. By staying informed (the fact that you’re reading this means you’re on the right track!) and keeping a balanced relationship with technology, you can enjoy all the benefits of the digital world while minimizing the risks.

Tips for Parents: Protecting and Empowering Your Children

For parents and caregivers, hearing about these threats is often horrifying. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed or to blame yourself when something goes wrong. Please know that having a child who fell victim to an online crime does not mean you failed as a parent. The smartest, kindest kids can get caught in these traps because perpetrators are very skilled at manipulation. The best approach is proactive and compassionate: establish an environment where your child feels safe telling you anything, and use tech tools and house rules to add layers of protection. Here are some strategies:

1. Start the conversation early and keep it going. Make online safety a regular topic of family discussion, not a one-time lecture. Starting even when kids are young, talk about the internet the way you’d talk about traffic safety or stranger danger. As one child psychiatrist put it, the moment a child is handed a screen, age-appropriate conversations should begin news.cuanschutz.edu. Tailor it to their age: a young child might just need to know “don’t chat with strangers or click pop-ups without asking Mom or Dad,” while a teen needs a more nuanced talk about sexting, consent, and blackmail. The key is to make it non-judgmental and supportive. Reinforce that they can always come to you if something makes them uncomfortable online, and you won’t get mad. Many teens say they hesitate to tell parents about online issues for fear that they’ll overreact or ban the device. Assure your child that their safety is your top concern, not punishing them for mistakes. Create a sense of trust and teamwork in tackling digital issues.

2. Set clear rules and boundaries for devices. It’s easier to prevent problems when you have structure in place. Consider creating a family media plan – basically, an agreement on when and how technology is used at home news.cuanschutz.edu. For example, you might have a rule that all devices stay out of bedrooms at night (to prevent secret late-night chats or unsupervised browsing). Or no phones during homework time except for study purposes. Perhaps younger kids only use computers/tablets in common areas of the house where an adult is around. Also decide what apps or sites are off-limits or require permission. Banning certain high-risk platforms – like anonymous chat sites or specific social apps known for problems – can be wise, especially for preteens. It’s much easier to say “no Omegle” (for instance) than to constantly worry if your child is being randomly exposed to predators there. As they show responsibility and age, you can adjust the rules. The important part is everyone is on the same page about expectations. Write it down if that helps (there are templates for family tech contracts available online). When kids know the rules and the reasons behind them, they’re more likely to follow them.

3. Use parental control tools – they really help. You don’t have to do this all alone by sheer vigilance. There are some excellent parental control apps and settings that can be your eyes and ears. For younger kids, you might enable strict filters that block adult content and limit web browsing to pre-approved sites. For older kids and teens, “monitoring” tools can alert you to potential dangers while still giving them some privacy. For example, an app like Bark can scan your child’s messages, social media, and emails for signs of bullying, sexual content, depression, or other red-flag keywords, and then send you alerts – so you’re not reading everything, but you’ll be notified if something looks concerning safewise.com. Bark is one of several highly-rated solutions; others include Qustodio, Net Nanny, Norton Family, MMGuardian, and more safewise.com. These can enforce screen time limits, show you reports of which websites were visited, block inappropriate apps, etc. According to independent reviews, Bark was chosen as the top app largely because it covers 29+ categories of potential issues (from profanity to suicide mentions) and gives real-time alerts safewise.com. Meanwhile, Qustodio is praised for comprehensive coverage and even uses some AI to detect risky content across apps safewise.com. As a parent, it’s worth investing time to pick a tool that fits your family’s needs. Even the built-in free controls can be effective: Apple’s Screen Time (on iPhones/iPads) and Google Family Link (for Android) let you manage app downloads, set time limits, and keep an eye on usage. At the very least, enable these basic protections – it’s like putting locks on the doors of your house.

4. Keep devices in public spaces and supervise younger kids. For children under, say, 12 or 13, one simple rule is no internet-enabled device behind closed doors. As Dr. Fritsch (the child psychiatrist from earlier) noted, allowing unlimited privacy with screens can inhibit the open communication that’s needed nowadays news.cuanschutz.edu. That doesn’t mean you hover over their shoulder constantly; it just means the computer/console is in the living room, or the tablet is used at the kitchen table, etc. You’ll naturally be somewhat aware of what they’re doing, and they’ll be less likely to take big risks if they know a parent might walk by any minute. As kids become teens, you can give them more space – but you might still insist that at night, devices charge in the parents’ bedroom or a common docking station to prevent all-night chatting or unsupervised encounters when everyone’s asleep.

5. Educate yourself about the platforms your kids use. Make it a point to stay in the loop. If your child loves Roblox or Snapchat or whatever the latest app is, learn about it. Create your own account, explore how it works, and use resources like Common Sense Media’s reviews and parent guides portal.ct.gov. Common Sense Media provides age ratings and breakdowns of privacy settings, potential red flags, and how to use parental controls on various games/apps. The more you know, the better you can have informed conversations with your child. You might even play some of the games with your kid – it can be bonding, and you’ll get insight into the environment. If you encounter something questionable (like an in-game chat or weird user approach), you can address it in real-time as a teaching moment. Also, network with other parents – share experiences and tips. Sometimes another parent will alert you about a dangerous trend or a problematic app that’s making the rounds at school.

6. Foster a supportive, blame-free environment. Perhaps the most important tip: make sure your child knows you will always love and help them, no matter what happens online. If they made a mistake – sent a nude, responded to a stranger, kept an unhealthy secret – focus on solving the problem, not punishing the behavior (unless punishment is truly warranted in extreme cases). Victims of sextortion, for example, often hesitate to tell parents because they fear “My parents will be so angry that I sent a naked picture”. It’s crucial to underline that their safety matters far more than any rule-breaking. If you find out something concerning, take a deep breath before reacting. Emphasize, “I’m glad you told me. We will figure this out together. I’m not angry – I’m here to help and I’m proud of you for coming to me.” That kind of response can be lifesaving. As one FBI agent said, the conversation about online interactions is as important as the old “don’t take candy from strangers” talk – kids need to know they won’t be shamed when they come forward fbi.gov. Aim to be not just an authority figure, but also a trusted ally and even a bit of a “digital mentor” as they navigate new online experiences.

By following these steps and remaining engaged, you significantly reduce the chances of your child becoming a victim – and if something does occur, you’ll catch it earlier and resolve it together. Parenting in the digital era is certainly challenging, but with the right tools and approach, you can absolutely keep your kids safer and raise them to be wise digital citizens.

Helpful Resources and Where to Get Help

Finally, here’s a list of resources for additional support and information. These can be useful for teens, students, and parents alike:

• National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) – Their website portal.ct.gov has a wealth of information on online enticement, sextortion, and safety tips. They operate the CyberTipline for reporting child exploitation. NCMEC’s NetSmartz program portal.ct.gov offers free safety presentations, tip sheets, and even lesson plans about cyberbullying, gaming safety, sexting, sextortion, and more (for various age groups). They also provide the “Take It Down” tool missingkids.org to help remove explicit images of minors from the internet.

  
  

• Common Sense Media – A nonprofit that provides independent ratings and parent/student guides for all kinds of media. You can find guides on dealing with online predators commonsensemedia.org, sextortion awareness commonsensemedia.org, and reviews of parental control tools and apps. Their advice articles (e.g. “How to Talk to Teens About Online Predators” commonsensemedia.org) can give you scripts and talking points. Common Sense is also a great spot to check if an app or game is age-appropriate and what issues it might have.

  
  

• Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force – This is a national network of law enforcement, but they provide public resources too. Notably, they have a “Preventing Sextortion Among Youth” factsheet with tips for recognizing and stopping sextortion portal.ct.gov. Their site portal.ct.gov also links to various internet safety guides.

  
  

• Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Support – If a young person is in crisis or struggling with suicidal thoughts (perhaps triggered by online trauma or any other reason), reach out to professional resources. In the U.S., the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline apnews.com is available 24/7 by phone or text. For youth specifically, The Trevor Project (for LGBTQ+ youth) offers a hotline and chat, and Crisis Text Line (text 741-741). Many countries have similar helplines (e.g., Canada’s Kids Help Phone, UK’s Papyrus for young suicide prevention, etc.). Don’t hesitate to use these – they save lives every day.

  
  

• Parental Control Apps and Software – As discussed, consider using trusted products like Bark, Qustodio, Norton Family, Net Nanny, MMGuardian, or Canopy. These can help filter content, manage screen time, and alert you to dangers. For example, Bark’s monitoring of 30+ threat categories has been cited as a top choice safewise.com. Common Sense Media and SafeWise both publish up-to-date reviews of these tools, so you can compare features. Many have free trials – test one out to see if it fits your family.

  
  

• Educational and Counseling Services – Sometimes a teen or college student might benefit from talking to a professional about their online experiences, especially if they’ve been through trauma like sextortion or online abuse. Don’t overlook school counselors and family therapists as resources. There are also specialized organizations; for example, Thorn (parents.thorn.org) has resources for caregivers on how to address child exploitation issues thorn.org, and sites like StopBullying.gov and Love Is Respect (which covers digital dating abuse) provide guidance. If legal advice is needed (e.g., to help remove images or deal with an extorter), some organizations offer free consultations – the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative helps victims of non-consensual image sharing.

  
  

• Local Law Enforcement and School Resources – Many local police departments now have cybercrime or ICAC units. They can be very helpful if you need to file a report. Schools often have digital citizenship curricula; ask your child’s school what they teach and reinforce those lessons at home. Some schools also host parent nights on social media safety – attending those can connect you with other concerned parents.

  
  

In closing, while the internet can expose teens and young adults to very serious dangers like sextortion, harmful AI content, and predators, we are not powerless against these threats. Through education, open communication, smart use of technology, and supportive community resources, we can create a safer digital world for our youth. Remember that you’re not alone – whether you’re a teen who needs help or a parent seeking guidance, there are caring people and organizations ready to assist. By staying informed and working together as a family, you can ensure that technology remains a source of empowerment and enrichment, rather than harm. Your safety and well-being – or your child’s – come first, and there is a whole network of support out there dedicated to exactly that mission.

Sources:

• Thorn, “The State of Sextortion in 2025” (June 24, 2025) – Research findings on prevalence and impacts of sextortion among 1,200 youth thorn.org.

  
  

• NCMEC Blog, “Behind the Scenes: New Sextortion Crisis” (Dec 5, 2024) – Real-life case of a teen boy targeted on Snapchat and statistics on financial sextortion (26,000+ cases in 2023, 20+ linked suicides) missingkids.org.

  
  

• FBI Press Release (Jan 17, 2024), “Sextortion: Growing Threat to Teens” – FBI warnings and guidance: 13,000 reports, 12,600 victims, at least 20 suicides from Oct 2021–Mar 2023 fbi.gov; advice not to shame victims and to report incidents fbi.gov.

  
  

• AP News, “AI chatbot pushed teen to kill himself, lawsuit alleges” (Nov 2025) – Details of the Florida teen suicide case involving a Character.AI chatbot apnews.com, expert quotes on risks of AI for youth apnews.com, and CDC statistic on youth suicide apnews.com.

  
  

• The Guardian, “My chilling week on Roblox” (Nov 6, 2025) – Investigation into Roblox’s virtual world: description of abusive scenarios even with parental controls theguardian.com, and data on Roblox’s young user base and global regulatory scrutiny theguardian.com en.wikipedia.org.

  
  

• Wikipedia, “Child safety on Roblox” (latest rev. Jan 5, 2026) – Overview of concerns on Roblox: proportion of under-13 users and arrest/lawsuit figures en.wikipedia.org; safety updates implemented by Roblox en.wikipedia.org; international actions (Roblox bans in various countries) en.wikipedia.org.

  
  

• UNESCO/Government reports on smartphone bans in schools – UNESCO 2023 Global Education Monitoring Report calling for bans (Guardian summary) theguardian.com; examples of national policies (France, Netherlands, etc.).

  
  

• Common Sense Media and CT.gov Internet Safety Resources – Guides for parents on online predators and sextortion commonsensemedia.org; list of resources including ICAC Task Force and NCMEC NetSmartz with cyber safety tips portal.ct.gov.

  
  

• SafeWise Parental Control App Review (Aug 7, 2025) – Independent evaluation of top parental control apps, citing Bark’s capabilities (scanning for 29+ danger categories) safewise.com.