5 Questions with Mike Arterburn About Sextortion, Kids, and Online Safety

Sextortion is a serious issue facing kids, but many parents may not be familiar with it or what it looks like. We sat down with Mike Arterburn — also known as Killer Bee Tactical online — to talk about this growing threat and the danger it poses to families. Mike was a police officer for 23 years, and he specialized in internet crimes against children before retiring. He’s gone viral on TikTok for his serious, hard-hitting takes on online dangers, and we’re proud to work with him on our mutual missions to help keep kids safe on the internet.

5 Questions with Mike Arterburn About Sextortion, Kids, and Online Safety

What are the most common tactics used by perpetrators to initiate sextortion schemes targeting kids?

Usually, child predators meet young people on gaming console platforms. They'll groom the child and gain their trust and sometimes even pose as a child themselves. They’ll then move the conversation to another platform, like Instagram or Snapchat, where they can exchange photos and videos. They will even coach the child on how to set up an account if they don’t have one. 

What are the key warning signs of potential sextortion that a family should look out for?

Every child is different, but here are few things to look out for in your child that may indicate they’re a victim of sextortion:

• Unwarranted anxiety
• Secretive behavior when it comes to gaming consoles or other digital devices. 
• Guarding their phone 
• Becoming extremely upset if a parent asks to look at their phone.

In your experience, how often do sextortion cases involving minors go unreported, and why might victims hesitate to come forward?

Children are usually embarrassed that they got scammed, and they can get extremely worried the photos they’ve exchanged will become public and shared widely. Parents can avoid this by having the conversation ahead of time — I can’t stress this enough. Make sure your child knows that no matter what happens online, you’ll work through it together. When predators target kids like this, it is never the kid’s fault — they’re being manipulated by an abuser.

Can you explain the psychological and emotional effects sextortion can have on young victims, based on your experience?

Children can feel trapped and desperate, like they have nowhere to turn. Some have even taken their own lives because of this incredible stress. Usually the extortionists make it clear they will release the photos to the child’s friend group and make them public. They tend to ask for amounts of money most children don’t have — anywhere from $50 to $500. Never give money to the scammers, because it will never end. Most extortionists are all about business and their bottom line. At the end of the day, they don’t have time to mess with someone who’s not going to pay them. 

If you had the ability to tell every parent in America just one thing about sextortion, what would it be and why?

Have the conversation upfront with your kids. I know it can be uncomfortable, but it’s one of the most important things you can do as a parent. Make sure that they know whatever happens, you’ll handle it together.

How Bark Can Help Protect Against Sextortion

Sextortion is a serious threat, and it’s important that parents take steps to educate their families about it as well as help prevent it. Bark monitors your child’s online activities — including the texts and photos they share, as well as social media posts and comments — for potential signs of sextortion and other serious issues like suicidal thoughts and bullying.

If our technology detects a potential danger, you’ll receive an alert so you can check in and make sure everything is okay. In many sextortion cases, parents are often unaware their child is even sexting, let alone with someone who might be threatening them. Bark sends alerts whenever it detects explicit images, whether saved, sent, or received, keeping you informed about what’s happening in your child's digital world. Check out the Bark Phone to learn more about our features, or try the Bark app free for 7 days.