Archive · 21 Jul 2026
Online predators coercing teens into self-harm
Online predators are targeting vulnerable teenagers through social media and online games.
They trick these teens into sending explicit images of themselves.
Then, they use these images to force the teens to hurt themselves, hurt others, or even try to kill themselves.
Experts like Kathryn Rifenbark from the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children are working to stop this.
They want to make people aware of this problem and find ways to protect kids online.
Cases of 'sadistic online exploitation' have risen globally in the past year.
Predators target vulnerable teens on social media and online games.
They coerce teens into producing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Teens are compelled to harm themselves or others, or attempt suicide.
Experts like Kathryn Rifenbark are working to raise awareness and implement preventive measures.
- Who
- Vulnerable teenagers and online predators
- What
- Sadistic online exploitation leading to self-harm and CSAM production
- When
- In the past year
- Where
- Globally, through social media and online games
- Why
- Predators target and manipulate teens for explicit content and self-harm
Law Enforcement and Child Safety Experts
Online Predators
Awareness and Prevention
Law Enforcement and Child Safety Experts
Law enforcement and child safety experts are working to raise awareness and implement preventive measures to combat online exploitation.
Online Predators
Predators exploit vulnerabilities in social media platforms and online games to target and manipulate teens.
- Phenomenon
- Sadistic online exploitation
- Target
- Vulnerable teenagers
- Platforms
- Social media and online games
- Outcome
- Production of CSAM, self-harm, or suicide attempts
- Expert
- Kathryn Rifenbark, National Center of Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC)