As part of our commitment to student safety and well-being, we want to bring your attention to a growing online threat that is affecting young people nationwide: sextortion.

Sextortion is a form of online exploitation where predators coerce minors into sending explicit images or videos, often by pretending to be someone they trust. These criminals then threaten to share the images unless the victim provides more content or money. This crime can lead to severe emotional distress, shame and even tragic consequences.

How You Can Help Protect Your Child

Talk Openly About Online Safety – Have ongoing conversations about the risks of sharing personal images and communicating with strangers online. Let them know they can always come to you if they feel uncomfortable.
Monitor Online Activity – Be aware of the apps, websites, and social media platforms your child uses. Set parental controls and privacy settings to limit who can contact them.
Encourage Safe Online Behavior – Teach children to avoid sharing private information, even with people they think they know. Remind them that once something is shared online, it can be difficult to remove.
Recognize Warning Signs – If your child seems anxious, secretive about their online activity, or withdrawn, ask them if something is wrong. Sudden behavior changes may indicate they are being targeted.
Teach Them What to Do If Targeted – If your child is approached or threatened online:
- Encourage them not to comply with demands.
- Tell them to stop all communication with the person.
- Immediately report the incident to a trusted adult, school staff, or law enforcement.

What Not to Do – Parents and children should be aware of behaviors that can put them at greater risk:
- Do not share personal photos, especially private or inappropriate ones, with anyone online.
- Do not respond to threats or attempts at blackmail—this can make the situation worse.
- Do not engage in conversations with strangers who ask for personal details, images or money.
- Do not assume someone is who they claim to be online, even if they share pictures or seem trustworthy.
- Do not delete messages or evidence if an incident occurs—this information can help law enforcement investigate and protect others.

Potential Consequences for Student Involvement

Students who share and/or view inappropriate content may be subject to disciplinary action from Riverview Gardens School District and/or local law enforcement officials. Accessing inappropriate materials on District-issued technology or over District-provided services is a violation of Policy EHB. Such behavior also could be a violation of Policy JG.

Riverview Gardens School District has worked diligently to prevent the sharing of inappropriate content via District equipment by using firewalls, content filtering and more. However, any student with access to a phone or other electronic device is just a few clicks away from sharing or accessing inappropriate content.

Where to Get Help

If you suspect your child has been a victim of sextortion, report it to:

School Counselors & Staff – RGSD is here to support you and your child. Please reach out if you need assistance.
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC): www.missingkids.org or call 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678)
Local Law Enforcement – Contact your local police department.

We know these conversations can be difficult, but they are essential in keeping our children safe. By working together, we can help protect them from online predators and ensure they have a safe and positive experience in the digital world.

Thank you for your partnership in keeping our students safe. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s principal.

To learn more about how to prevent sextortion and other online risks, visit the FBI’s Guide for Parents, Caregivers and Teachers.

Riverview Gardens High School

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