Sextortion warning

By Jonathon Howard

TWEED YOUTHS are being urged by police not to share personal information or photos on the internet and social media, as they could risk becoming a victim of “sextortion”.

Tweed-Byron Local Crime Prevention Officers and Youth Officers are calling on parents and carers to help educate young people in the dangers of posting images online via platforms such as social media.

“Simple steps can prevent our children becoming victim to online offences or the production, possession and distribution of child abuse material (CAM),” police said.

“We encourage parents to start positive conversations at home with their children about the appropriate use of social media and the longterm effect that its inappropriate use, which can have significant consequences not only on the young individuals but their entire family.”

Sexual extortion or sextortion is a form of blackmail where someone threatens to share a nude or sexual image or video unless a victim gives in to their demands.

If this happens to you, you’re not alone — there’s help available.

If you are a victim of sextortion, or would like more information, please contact Tweed Police on: (07) 5506 9499.

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