Online Sex Extortion Targets Minors, Morris Co. Warns Parents 

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — As technology becomes more prevalent in everyday life, online sexual extortion of minors is on the rise, and the Morris County Prosecutor's Office wants to remind parents of online safety precautions they and their children should take to stay safe.

Morris County officials are committed to educating the general public about the risks and potential hazards associated with child sexual abuse material and child pornography, as well as children's misuse of technology.

Over the last few years, there has been a significant increase in online activity among our country's youth.

The use of sexually explicit material by children of all ages is increasing, according to law enforcement agencies across the country. This material includes "sexting" and sending or soliciting sexually illicit photographs.

Parents should have age-appropriate conversations with their children as soon as their child has access to any technological device, as both boys and girls are involved in these potentially dangerous behaviors, police said.

Police want to encourage parents to caution their children about what they post and share on social media and through technology, because social media and technology record everything, including photos and messages that a child may believe were intended to be private.

Even after being deleted, data shared electronically can be accessed and potentially disseminated to others. Moreover, people communicating with children via electronic means may misrepresent their true age, gender, or identity.

The distribution of electronic data may expose the minor to harassment or ridicule, as well as the possibility of extortion or kidnapping.

Conversations with minors should include a clear explanation of why it is critical not to send, request, or share sexually explicit images, videos, or other content.

“We at the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office want to enable our youth to make smart choices about how they interact online and through electronic means, as poor decisions can have unfortunate consequences,” Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll said.

With a generation of youth using electronic means of communication and creating content online, it is critical for parents to have open communication with their children about content sharing including using good judgment when interacting with others online.