Sex predators blackmail children online

Online sexual predators are increasingly using aggressive tactics, including blackmail and threats instead of deception to solicit children, particularly girls, according to a Europol report.

Law enforcement agencies said online sexually precocious behaviour by young people — from flirting, to sexualised chat and sharing of sexualised or indecent images (sexting) — is increasingly putting them at risk.

The report produced by Europol said offenders will increasingly use young people’s sexualised behaviour online as a justification for their sexual exploitation.