How can parents talk to kids about ‘sextortion?’

AURORA, Colo. — An investigation continues into a reported “sextortion” ring targeting multiple Aurora schools.

That news, first reported by students at Rangeview High School, involves at least eight different schools in Aurora Public Schools and Cherry Creek School District, according to police.

“I don’t know if parents would have known about it.” Said Rangeview student Carolynn Ames. “Not every student goes to their parents and talks, and not every parent is their best friend.”

According to the student journalists, someone gained access to illicit images of students and threatened to share them on social media.

The students say it’s not uncommon for illicit images of students to circulate through the high school, something they referred to as “being exposed.”

“This sounds horrible, but it was commonly circulating pictures, that you see that girl and go ‘oh, she got exposed a couple of years ago.’” said student Aiyana Fargoso. “It was pictures like that.”

Students say it’s not uncommon for someone to send an illicit image to another student, never expecting it to spread beyond that one person.

The Department of Homeland Security, which assists local and state agencies with sextortion cases, wouldn’t comment on whether it’s involved in this specific case, but did have some advice for parents.

“It is vitally important that children understand the danger that exists online,” Said Deputy Special Agent Jeff Brannigan. “And parents can prepare their children for that danger by communicating with them about this.”

Brannigan says they believe this happens much more often than is reported, because students feel uncomfortable sharing what happened with adults.

“Something like this brings with it anxiety, and maybe embarrassment, so adults that are in the room with a child talking to them about this need to understand that and treat it with the appropriate caution,” said Brannigan.

SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Investigations & Crime