Authorities connect the suicide of a 12-year-old boy from Prince George, British Columbia, to online sexual extortion.

Law enforcement in Prince George, British Columbia, is cautioning the public about the risks of sexual extortion following the tragic suicide of a 12-year-old boy in their community.

The young individual took his life on October 12, and subsequent investigations revealed that his actions were a result of online sextortion, as stated in an RCMP news release. Authorities are currently in the process of identifying a suspect.

“We are calling for parents and caregivers to be honest with their youth about the dangers of online activity, especially if they are engaging in chats with people they don’t know in real life,” RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Jennifer Cooper said.

“While not every case of online sextortion will end in tragedy, the consequences of this kind of activity can follow a youth for their entire life, which needs to be something we talk about openly with our kids.”

Increase in Teenage Sexual Extortion Cases, According to Police

Police are noting a surge in incidents of sexual extortion involving teenagers. Sextortion, defined as the act of demanding money or sexual favors from an individual by threatening to reveal intimate images, videos, or evidence of online sexual activity, is on the rise.

According to the Prince George RCMP, reports of such incidents have been steadily increasing each year, with teenagers between the ages of 13 and 18 being the primary targets. In the current year, the detachment has received 62 reports of online sextortion, a notable increase from the 56 reports received in 2022.

Cooper informed CBC News that authorities are actively searching for a suspect. However, investigations into sextortion can be time-consuming, often extending beyond the borders of British Columbia.

The RCMP has disclosed the case to the public after consulting with the child’s family. The family is eager to raise awareness about the dangers of online sextortion.

“They felt as if they can at least reach one more person with this information that parents need to be involved in their kids’ online lives,”

“to make sure that this isn’t something that went beyond this one family.” Cooper mentioned that the RCMP has collaborated closely with the families of the child’s companions.

Law enforcement is recommending that young individuals promptly cease communication with anyone attempting to extort them in this manner and deactivate the accounts used for communication with such individuals.

If you or someone you’re acquainted with is facing challenges, here are resources for assistance:

• Talk Suicide Canada: 1-833-456-4566 (phone) | 45645 (text between 4 p.m. and midnight ET).
• Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 (phone), live chat counselling on the website.
• Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention: Find a 24-hour crisis centre.
• This guide from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health provides guidance on discussing suicide with someone you are concerned about.