Digital Predators: How Teen Boys Are Becoming Targets of Sextortion Schemes

A dark trend is silently devastating teen boys across America. Sextortion — digital blackmail using intimate images — has become a weapon in predators' arsenals, leaving thousands of young men and boys trapped between shame and fear. Behind screens and fake profiles, criminals manipulate teens into sharing personal content, then threaten to expose them unless demands for money or more images are met.

The statistics are alarming. The FBI documented over 7,000 sextortion cases targeting minors in 2022 alone, with at least 20 teens dying by suicide as a direct result. Boys are particularly vulnerable, often suffering in silence rather than reaching out for the support that could save them. The psychological toll is immense — victims withdraw from activities they love, distance themselves from friends, and carry a burden no young person should bear.

But there's power in knowing you're not alone and not at fault. This episode walks through the four critical steps to fight back: never pay the extortionist, tell someone you trust immediately, preserve all evidence, and report to authorities who stand ready to help. We outline specific resources including the FBI hotline and image removal tools that work without judgment or questions. For parents and friends, we provide guidance on recognizing warning signs and starting those difficult but potentially life-saving conversations. The predators count on silence and shame — but knowledge, community support, and courage are stronger weapons. Whether you're currently facing this nightmare or want t

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Chapters

• 0:19 Understanding Sextortion Crisis
• 1:09 Impact and Psychological Toll
• 2:01 Taking Back Your Power
• 3:23 Prevention and Safety Steps
• 4:16 Finding Support and Resources
• 6:59 Episode Closing and Sponsorship

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:19

New, normal big life pay up or do what they say. This isn't a movie plot. This is sextortion and it's hitting teen guys like you or someone you love hard. Stick with me this is real. It's scary, but you're not alone and there's a way through it.

Speaker 1: 0:35

Hi, friends, welcome to the new normal big life podcast. We bring you natural news and stories about nature that we hope will inspire you to get outside and adventure, along with a step-by-step plan to help you practice what you've learned and create your own normal and live the biggest life you can dream. I'm your host, antoinette Lee, the Wellness Warrior. Welcome to today's episode. We're diving into something heavy but so important sextortion and its toll on teens, especially guys. This isn't about blame or shame. It's about understanding what's happening, why it's not your fault and how you can fight back. Parents, friends, you're in this too, because supporting someone through this can change everything.

Speaker 1: 1:18

In 2022, the FBI tracked over 7,000 sextortion cases targeting kids, especially boys, and those are just the ones reported. Predators are out there, hiding behind screens, banking on your fear, but here's the twist they don't win if you know what to do. So what is sextortion? Picture this Someone, usually a stranger online, tricks you into sharing a photo or video, something personal maybe they pretend to be a friend, a crush or just someone cool. Then they flip the script. They threaten to send it to your friends, your family, your school, unless you send money or pics. It's blackmail with a digital twist and it's spiking among teen boys. Why? Because predators know guys might feel too embarrassed to speak up, but silence is their weapon, not yours. Listen, if this has happened to you, I need you to hear this. You didn't do anything wrong. These people are criminals, not you. They're the ones who should be ashamed, and you're not the only one. Thousands of guys are facing this right now. This isn't about a bad day. Sextortion can mess with your head. Imagine feeling trapped, like every notification might be the end of your world. Some guys pull back, quit sports, ditch their friends, even start thinking there's no way out. The FBI says at least 20 teens took their life in 2022 because of this. That's 22 many, but here's where hope kicks in. Every story doesn't have to end like this. Your parents, an older sibling, a relative or friend could help you get through this. Confide in someone today and get support. Right now. You've got power here. These predators want you to feel weak, but you're not. You're stronger than they think and there's a whole team ready to back you up Friends, family, even law enforcement. You did nothing wrong.

Speaker 1: 3:15

When we come back from the short break, we'll talk about how you take back your power and fight back against these criminals. Before we cover the next topic in this episode, I want to introduce you to the adventure sports lifestyle through what I call a micro story about an adventure that I've had. The adventure sports lifestyle and my deep connection to nature is essential to my good health. So here's the story. In winter, I walk on water, out on a frozen lake. There's safe techniques to do that, like using a spud bar to check how hard and safe the ice is. In summer, I stand on water and go places. That's the freedom of stand-up paddleboarding. I did that. Now let's take back your power and talk about fighting.

Speaker 1: 3:58

So how do you fight this? Step one don't pay. Sending money or pics doesn't stop them. It fuels them to demand more from you. Step two tell someone I know that sounds impossible. What if they judge me? Or what if I feel shame? But the people who love you. They're not going to shame you. They're here to protect you A parent, a coach, a friend? Pick one person you trust and say I need help.

Speaker 1: 4:27

Step three don't delete your messages with this criminal. Don't block them, don't close your account. Authorities will use this information to catch them and make sure they pay for what they've done to you. Remember it's not your fault and you don't deserve what's happening to you. Step four report it. The FBI's got a hotline for this 1-800-CALL-FBI, and there's a site, takeitdownncmecorg, where you can get images removed fast, no questions asked. You don't have to face this alone. Law enforcement's already busted rings doing this.

Speaker 1: 5:07

Hundreds of predators were locked up because teens, just like you, spoke up. If you're a friend or family listening, don't wait for your teen to come to you, check in, say, hey, I've heard about sextortion stuff, are you okay? That one question could be a lifeline. Let's flip this on the predators. How do you stay safe? Lock down your accounts If someone you don't know slides into your DMs. Block them. Don't share anything. You wouldn't post publicly, no matter how much you trust the vibe.

Speaker 1: 5:39

Predators are pros at faking it. But here's the good news You're smarter than they think. You can outplay them. Guys, if you're in this nightmare right now, hold on. You're not defined by what they've done to you. You're defined by what you do next. You've got people who will fight for you and every step you take pulls you out of the shadows Friends, family. Be that voice that says I've got your back Together. We can turn this around.

Speaker 1: 6:09

If you're getting value from this content, leave us a review wherever you get your podcast to make it easiest for others to find us content. Leave us a review wherever you get your podcast to make it easiest for others to find us. Until next time, friends, I'm Antoinette Lee, your wellness warrior, here at the New Normal Big Life podcast. I hope one day to see you on the river, in the back country or in the horse barn living your best life. Tag new normal big life or nnblblog on social media so we can celebrate your good health in big life. If you're a visual learner, you can watch an informative and entertaining version of this video on YouTube on the new normal big life channel. Share this episode with someone who needs it. Comment on our posts and drop us a message or email Nothing personal or too specific when you have a health or venture sports question, topic or topic that you want us to cover and support others in this community Since 2012,.

Speaker 2: 7:01

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