Online safety expert Jo Robertson returns to 7 on Sundays to break down the explosive rise of sextortion, grooming, and digital exploitation — including an 1800% increase among 7–10-year-olds. She explains how predators operate, which kids are most targeted, why grooming can happen in just 45 minutes, and how parents can protect their children without creating shame or secondary trauma. This is essential listening for any caregiver navigating the modern online landscape.
What sextortion is and how it differs from sexual exploitation
Why boys and LGBTQ+ youth are disproportionately targeted
The shocking rise in self-generated imagery among 7–10-year-olds
How grooming works — and why it can happen in under an hour
The role of gaming platforms, social media, and dating apps
Example: a Roblox group with 100,000+ groomers trading tactics
Why encrypted messaging has made kids more vulnerable
The early warning signs of coercion, secrecy, and manipulation
How trauma from sextortion mirrors complex PTSD
The long-term effects on identity, intimacy, and trust
How parental reactions can cause secondary trauma
Why no child is "too young" for conversations about online safety
The protective power of extracurriculars and after-school activities
Why pornography has normalized coercion in youth culture
Concrete steps parents can take right now to reduce risk
TikTok Online Safety Partnership (referenced in episode)
