Predators are no longer lurking just in alleyways and public parks. They’re online, organized, and actively targeting children through smartphones, social media, and video chat platforms. And most of the time, they don’t look like criminals—they look like friends.
In our recent Cyber Safety Cop webinar, A Survivor’s Story: Exposing the Dark Reality of Online Sextortion, we heard directly from Kaylee and her mother Angela. At just 12 years old, Kaylee was pulled into what seemed like a harmless group video chat with other “kids.” But every person in that chat room was an adult predator—part of a sophisticated ring spanning multiple states.
They posed as peers. They gained her trust. Then they exploited her for years.
Their story is raw, real, and eye-opening—and it’s one every parent needs to hear.
If you’re a Premium Member, you can watch the full webinar replay now. But if you’re just starting out, here’s your 3-point safety checklist every parent should remember to keep their child safe from online sextortion.
1. What to Avoid: Don’t Hand Over a Dangerous Tool
Prevention starts with smart limits. A few key choices can dramatically reduce your child’s exposure to digital threats.
🚫 Avoid Smartphones Before High School
Smartphones are adult-level tools. Before high school, stick to flip phones or watch phones that offer basic communication without internet access.
🚫 No Social Media Before Age 16
Social media is where most grooming begins. Waiting until 16 gives teens more emotional maturity and reduces the risk of exploitation.
“After this all started, I wasn’t going outside anymore. If I didn’t have social media, I would’ve had my childhood.” — Kaylee
🚫 Don’t Assume “Not My Kid”
Kaylee had a loving, attentive family. This can happen to anyone. Predators don’t just target “vulnerable” kids—they target connected kids using everyday platforms.
2. What to Watch For: Spot the Warning Signs Early
Most predators don’t strike immediately—they groom over weeks or months. That means there’s time to intervene… if you know what to look for.
⚠️ Sudden or Secretive Screen Use
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Long hours online in private
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Hiding the screen when you walk in
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Being defensive about their digital life
⚠️ Mood Swings or Withdrawal
Kaylee became depressed, started cutting, and stopped participating in family activities—all while being blackmailed daily by predators posing as friends.
⚠️ Fear and Shame
Victims often don’t speak up because they’re told:
“You’ll be disowned.”
“Everyone will hate you.”
“You’ll be arrested.”
⚠️ Self-Harm or Academic Decline
Don’t ignore changes in grades, cutting, or avoidance of technology. These may be signs of trauma—not rebellion.
3. What to Do: Take Action and Build Digital Resilience
Whether you’re just handing over your child’s first phone or responding to a red flag, there are practical steps you can take to protect them now.
💬 Talk About It (Early and Often)
Make sure your child knows:
“You can always come to me—even if you think you messed up. I will help you. You are not alone.”
🔒 Use Tools Like OurPact
OurPact is a parent-trusted app that helps you:
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Block inappropriate apps and websites
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Set screen time schedules
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View periodic screenshots of your child’s device
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Monitor app activity and location
Cyber Safety Cop Premium Members receive 10% off + a 14-day free trial.
🧠 Equip Your Child to Handle the Worst
Teach them:
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What grooming looks like
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That blackmailers lie and manipulate
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How to screenshot, block, and report inappropriate behavior
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That they will always be loved—no matter what
🧾 Report to the Right Place
If sextortion happens:
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Go directly to the CyberTipline (NCMEC): missingkids.org
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Contact your local FBI field office
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Use police only if they’re trained in cybercrime or affiliated with ICAC
“It took the FBI 10 years to fully investigate what happened to me. These weren’t just creepy guys—some of them went to Yale and had kids of their own.” — Kaylee
Want to Hear the Full Story?
This story isn’t just about danger—it’s about resilience, healing, and the power of one brave voice to protect thousands of others.
As a Cyber Safety Cop Premium Member, you’ll gain full access to:
✅ The complete A Survivor’s Story webinar replay
✅ Monthly expert-led webinars and safety Q&As
✅ Our App Safety Library with detailed reviews
✅ The Parenting in the Digital World eBook
✅ PLUS: Need one-on-one advice? With a yearly subscription, members receive a 30-minute personal consultation with Clayton Cranford.
Let’s Raise Safe, Supported, and Strong Kids
We cannot control every corner of the internet—but we can prepare, protect, and empower our children to navigate it wisely. With the right tools, ongoing conversations, and community support, we can stop predators before they start—and help our kids reclaim their digital safety.
Together, we can build a digital world where our kids grow up confident, connected, and safe.
