A recent case involving high school students in Michigan being extorted by online predators has prompted a warning to parents and students.
The Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators (MASA) is working with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office to bring attention to the illegal activity that has been dubbed “sextortion”. Criminals are manipulating teenagers into providing explicit photos and then threatening them with sharing the photos if they don’t send money through Western Union or PayPal.
Dr. Tina Kerr, Executive Director of MASA warned, “In addition to remote learning, students are spending even more time online these days for fun, which makes this recent rise in sextortion cases especially concerning. We’re hearing from district leaders across the state about it happening to students they know and we want to do everything we can to help combat it. “
MASA suggests increased parental monitoring, strict privacy controls, and making children aware of what to do if they are contacted by someone suspicious. Authorities should be contacted immediately.
A full list of tips and an informational video can be found at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RucT_KORVE
https://www.michigan.gov/ok2say/
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
