Inside the Explosion of Online Grooming with Jo Robertson (#52)

Online safety expert Jo Robertson returns to 7 on Sundays to break down the explosive rise of sextortion, grooming, and digital exploitation — including an 1800% increase among 7–10-year-olds. She explains how predators operate, which kids are most targeted, why grooming can happen in just 45 minutes, and how parents can protect their children without creating shame or secondary trauma. This is essential listening for any caregiver navigating the modern online landscape. Key Points What sextortion is and how it differs from sexual exploitation Why boys and LGBTQ+ youth are disproportionately targeted The shocking rise in self-generated imagery among 7–10-year-olds How grooming works — and why it can happen in under an hour The role of gaming platforms, social media, and dating apps Example: a Roblox group with 100,000+ groomers trading tactics Why encrypted messaging has made kids more vulnerable The early warning signs of coercion, secrecy, and manipulation How trauma from sextortion mirrors complex PTSD The long-term effects on identity, intimacy, and trust How parental reactions can cause secondary trauma Why no child is "too young" for conversations about online safety The protective power of extracurriculars and after-school activities Why pornography has normalized coercion in youth culture Concrete steps parents can take right now to reduce risk   Guest Links & Resources Jo Robertson website Tricky Chats: Jo's parenting/online safety course TikTok Online Safety Partnership (referenced in episode)