What's happened
Research reveals a concerning trend of children as young as 11 sharing naked photos online, leading to a rise in sextortion scams targeting young people. The National Crime Agency has issued warnings about the devastating impact of these scams, with cases doubling globally. Parents and teachers are being urged to educate children about the dangers of sharing intimate images online to prevent further tragedies.
Why it matters
The rise in sextortion scams targeting children highlights the urgent need for improved online safety education in schools. With cases doubling globally and children as young as 11 being affected, parents, teachers, and authorities must work together to protect young people from falling victim to these harmful schemes.
What the papers say
The Mirror reports on damning research revealing the prevalence of child sexual abuse material due to the sharing of naked photos online. The Guardian shares the tragic story of 16-year-old Murray Dowey, who fell victim to a sextortion scam leading to his suicide. The Independent highlights the increase in reported sextortion cases and the urgent need for teachers to warn children about these callous scams.
How we got here
The alarming trend of children sharing naked photos online has led to a surge in sextortion scams, where criminals threaten to release these images unless victims pay them. The National Crime Agency has issued warnings about the devastating impact of these scams, particularly on young people. Cases have doubled globally, with a significant number of victims being boys aged between 14 and 18.
Common question
More on these topics