The term “cyberbullying” is a familiar term among high school students.  The use of social media to harass others is frowned upon and should always be reported.  Closely linked to this form of bullying, “sextortion” may not be so well known.  Sextortion is a severe crime that occurs when a person threatens to reveal any private or sensitive material if they aren’t provided with sexual images, sexual favors or money.  The culprit may even threaten to harm friends, relatives or even the victim.  Sextortion is a serious crime, and a higher awareness of how to detect and prevent it needs to rise among students.

Sextortion can first surface with online bullying.  Thankfully, there have been very few serious cases.  Lake Stevens High School Principal Eric Cahan recalls the first time he discovered the reality of sextortion.

“I had to learn a whole new vocabulary and understand that it’s an online extortion.  The whole thing is really sad and is all about power and control and putting people in compromising positions,” said Cahan.

Anyone can be targeted by offenders using sextortion to obtain what they want.  They gain trust by hiding their identity, lurk in chat rooms, and can even hack into electronic devices to access files and control web cameras, they could even be an ex boyfriend or girlfriend. Oftentimes an offender will begin to threaten the victim if they aren’t given explicit material.

“People need to understand the implications of the online profile and social media use.  When you’re in a trusting relationship it’s all fun and games until that relationship falls apart.  There can be a darker side of people and that’s sad,” said Cahan.

Students need to become fully aware of this concern that seems to float quietly under the radar.  Safety on social media and using common sense are both highly important.  The FBI recommends to never send compromising images of oneself no matter who they are, do not open attachments from unknown people and turn off electronic devices and web cameras when they are not in use.  

Some students are aware of the issue, but haven’t heard of many cases involving sextortion.  

“Sextortion is when someone threatens sexual exploitation, like leaking nudes and stuff that can be destructive to someone’s life.  I haven’t heard of any cases expressing sextortion though,” said senior Alexia Joy Coleman.

Other students don’t have any clue what sextortion means.

“I have no clue what sextortion is,” said senior Avery Medellin.

Taking photos and sending them to anyone is always a bad decision.  Sextortion is a dangerous and legal issue that must be dealt with when brought to awareness.  Education on the topic and encouraging others to use common sense is a good place to start.  

“Sextortion is no different than harassing and bullying.  The use of it is decreasing at Lake Stevens High School because the student culture doesn’t allow it when it comes to light.  People don’t look kindly at bullies.  If you do sextortion, then people won’t support you and you become the problem,” said Cahan.

If a sextortion case is suspected or brought up, know that there are officials to report to who will handle the situation safely.  Notify a teacher or administrator, or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.