Sextortion, online safety discussion for parents at Bethlehem HS

BETHLEHEM, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)'s Albany Field Office will be working with Bethlehem Central School District for a discussion on online safety and sextortion on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. The event will be at the Bethlehem High School Auditorium, at 700 Delaware Avenue in Delmar.

The discussion is intended for parents in guardians from all Captial Region school districts, not for students.

The discussion will educate parents, educators, and caregivers about the dangers of online activity that may lead to the solicitation of minors' engagement in sexual activities. The FBI says victims are typically males between the ages of 14 to 17, but anyone can become a victim.

From October 2021 to March 2023, the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations received over 13,000 reports of online financial extortion of minors. From October 2022 to March 2023, the FBI says they've seen at least a 20% increase in these financially motivated crimes involving minors.

To reiterate, because of the sensitive nature of the discussion, this will be geared toward parents, guardians, and caretakers only in the Capital Region.