Watching the documentary on the story of Amanda Todd made me reflect on a lot of things. I remembered a discussion we had in one of the classes I took in the fall, when somebody had indicated that back in those days, we had children who sometimes engaged in awkward and awful things, and they were able to get away with it. But in the era of technology, it appears that whatever you do and post online always has a way of coming back to you if you are not careful.
I think this is my second time hearing the word Sextortion which the dictionary describes as the practice of extorting money or sexual favors from someone by threatening to reveal evidence of their sexual activity. However, from the definition, I realized that this is not something new or something I am oblivious to. Watching the documentaries Sextortion of Amanda Todd and Stalking Amanda Todd: The Man in the Shadows shows that this absurd practice of sextortion is becoming more rampant due to social media and online platforms that provide a conducive environment for perpetrators to exploit their potential victims. This is a global online crime that can have tragic consequences, including suicide, long-term trauma, cutting, social isolation, and depression. The anonymity and accessibility of online platforms, including social media and some dating apps, make it easier for perpetrators of this heinous act to initiate schemes often targeted at vulnerable individuals, including teenagers, youth, and members of sexual minority groups who can be easily coerced or exploited.
The ongoing report around the use of online platforms and social media for these heinous acts is alarming. For example, the National Crime Agency (NCA) UK reported a higher percentage increase in sextortion reports between 2017 and 2020. In addition, the organization indicated that cases reported to the “US National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) were more than doubled in 2023, rising to 26,718 compared to 10,731 the year before”. The statistical profile of online child sexual exploitation incidents reported in Canada shows a devastating increase in issues related to child pornography. The Internet Watch Foundation also notes that images of child sexual abuse created through sextortion are a significant and growing problem.
Reflecting on all these alarming reports around the dangers of social media and online platforms, especially with regards to sextortion, I feel many of the victims might not be equipped to recognize and respond to concerns around the use of online platforms for some personal and private information due to a lack of awareness and support. One possible way to address this issue among teenagers and vulnerable victims will be to create more awareness and teach various elements of the digital citizenship framework. According to Mike Ribble Digital citizenship is not only about teaching the use of digital tools but also equipping students with knowledge, skills, and practices for guided and safe participation in online space. The Digital Citizenship Education in Saskatchewan Schools and Digital Citizenship Continuum from K–12 serves as a guide that teachers can use to address the dangers associated with the use of social media in the classroom. So, I think teachers can use these guides to promote responsible online behaviour and awareness among students. By integrating digital citizenship education, schools can equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the digital landscape safely.
Digital citizenship image captured from agpartseducation.com
There are various resources and lesson plans from common sense education that teachers can use to create engaging activities that highlight the consequences of sharing personal information online, cyberbullying, deep fakes and fake information, use of AI, etc. Looking at the digital framework continuum, I think teachers can also engage students in discussions around the importance of understanding how to communicate and protect oneself in digital spaces. Teachers can also use case studies that allow students to explore scenarios in real-life situations and how to ethically engage in such circumstances. More importantly, I think teachers need to create a safe and supportive learning environment that can make students open up as they learn and engage in activities related to the negative use of social media. I also think having parents awareness programs on the daunting effect of social media on children could go a long way in how parents can help their children outside school. Regardless of the approach used to teach elements of digital citizenship in the classroom, I think this should be done continuously or probably be part of the curriculum so that its importance is reiterated and students can become acquainted with these safe practices.
I know there are cases where some students might still want to explore some gray areas on the use of technology despite warnings, awareness, and teaching. What would you do as a teacher in this regard?
Your reflection on Amanda Todd’s story and the broader issue of sextortion really resonates with me. The rise of digital exploitation is heartbreaking, and I completely agree that awareness and digital citizenship education are key in helping students navigate these dangers.
As a teacher, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to create a safe space where students feel comfortable discussing their online experiences. Digital citizenship isn’t just about rules—it’s about building critical thinking skills, empathy, and self-advocacy. I love your point about using real-life case studies and engaging parents in the conversation. It truly takes a community to help kids make safe choices online.
As for students who might still explore risky online behaviors despite education and warnings, I think the key is maintaining open, non-judgmental conversations. Instead of shutting them down, I’d encourage discussion about consequences and personal responsibility, so they feel empowered rather than just restricted. How do you think we can make digital safety lessons more impactful for students who are reluctant to take these risks seriously?
Karissa 🙂
Hi Ayodele, this is such an important discussion. I am always grateful that I didn’t grow up in an era where every mistake is posted and immortalized online. Our students, however, don’t have that same luxury. Many of them inherit a digital footprint long before they have a say in it, all thanks to “sharenting” culture.
As a teacher and parent, I find Amanda Todd’s case heartbreaking. It acts as a reminder of how vulnerable youth can be online. Better policies that protect our youth are definitely needed – not just in schools, but through a connected effort from educators, parents, government, and platform creators. As you mentioned, Ribble’s Nine Elements of Digital Citizenship are a key place to start. Do you think current education policies are doing enough? I think much more needs to be done (much more than simple cell phone bans).
Sharenting: https://www.telus.com/en/wise/resources/content/article/when-kids-become-content-the-risks-of-sharenting