Wayne is on a mission to stop a growing threat to young Australian men
Wayne Holdsworth knows all too well how sextortion can impact young males.
His son Mac was 16 years old when he was extorted via social media after exchanging photos of his body with someone he believed was a teenage girl. At 17, Mac died by suicide.
Australians have made more than 2,000 complaints about sexual extortion over just six months, with big tech accused of failing to address significant “blind spots” in detecting abuse.
Wayne says tech companies already have the resources to protect kids.
“The tech giants have got the technology right now to prevent our kids being accessed by sexual extortionists, for an example, but they choose not to use it. They’re monetising our children,” he said.
The findings, from the eSafety Commissioner’s latest transparency report, show teenagers are increasingly being targeted.
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Readers seeking crisis support can ring Lifeline on 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14, the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 and Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 (for young people aged up to 25). More information and support with mental health is available at beyondblue.org.au and on 1300 22 4636.
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