All a predator needs to begin the process of grooming a victim online is having access to a child. Because it is not uncommon for kids and teens in the U.S. and abroad to have internet access, there are thousands of vulnerable options for predators, especially when parents are unaware of the dangers.⠀ ⠀ In Utah, 16-year-old “Elizabeth” was sitting at her computer when a predator in his 40s contacted her on social media, posing as a teenage boy. As they began chatting, the man convinced Elizabeth to send him a nude photo. This was all he needed to begin extorting her. ⠀ ⠀ He threatened Elizabeth that if she did not send him more photos, he would post this photo online. This is a common tactic that predators use to scare their victims into sending them more photos. The predator often posts it online no matter what. ⠀ ⠀ Feeling too scared to approach her parents, Elizabeth continued. The man paid her for her photos through PayPal and tried to convince her that she was being “employed”. ⠀ ⠀ One day, Elizabeth’s parents found her PayPal account. Elizabeth gathered the courage to tell them what was going on, and they were able to rescue Elizabeth from the horror she was facing online and contact authorities. The O.U.R. Aftercare Team helped Elizabeth and her family find trusted, local aftercare resources to help her heal.⠀ ⠀ We’ve seen victims as young as SIX YEARS OLD who were groomed to send nude photos. As soon as kids are picking up devices, they need to be armed with tools and knowledge (appropriate for their age) about avoiding dangerous situations online. Most of the time, a predator’s main goal in engaging with a child online is to exploit them in person or obtain inappropriate pictures or video of them. See our link in profile for 5 essential resources to keep your children safe online.
All a predator needs to begin the process of grooming a victim online is having access to a child. Because it is not unc... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CDFZ9aJgcgS
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