Teachers urged to warn pupils of sextortion risk

Teachers Urged to Warn Pupils of Sextortion Risk As the number of young boys falling victim to sextortion increases, the National Crime Agency (NCA) is calling on teachers to alert their pupils to this alarming trend. Sextortion involves criminals coercing victims, often teenagers, into sharing explicit photos or videos of themselves online, which are then used to blackmail them. The NCA issued a fresh warning after recent evidence showed a significant rise in the number of boys being targeted. In many cases, the perpetrators are individuals or organized gangs who manipulate victims into providing sexually explicit material, before threatening to share it with friends, family, or even the public unless a ransom is paid. The emotional trauma and potential long-term harm caused by these incidents cannot be underestimated. While sextortion affects both boys and girls, the NCA has pointed out that boys are disproportionately targeted in the UK. They believe this is due to a combination of factors, including the proliferation of online pornography and the perception that boys may be less likely to report incidents, fearing stigma or a lack of understanding. Teachers play a vital role in safeguarding and educating young people about online risks, and the NCA wants them to have the knowledge and confidence to discuss sextortion with their pupils. By informing students about the potential dangers, warning signs, and appropriate steps to take if they find themselves targeted, educators can help protect vulnerable individuals and prevent future victimization. Empowering students with awareness and practical strategies to deal with sextortion is