You may have heard the term “Com networks” mentioned in the news. The Director General of the National Crime Agency has warned of a “deeply concerning” trend of online networks of predominantly teenage boys, dedicated to inflicting harm and committing a range of criminality.
These are organised groups of offenders who collaborate online to target and exploit children. Rather than a single individual acting alone, think of them as coordinated groups operating across the same apps your child uses to chat, game, and socialise.
They commonly operate across:
Social media (Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X)
Gaming platforms and chat features (Roblox, Discord, Fortnite, Minecraft)
Private messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal)
⚠️ Important: This activity does not just happen on hidden parts of the internet. It often takes place on mainstream platforms used by millions of young people every day.
Offenders are often patient, manipulative, and highly skilled at gaining trust.
They may spend weeks or even months building a relationship, pretending to be a friend, a peer, or a romantic interest.
They often target young people who appear:
Lonely or isolated
Upset or struggling
Looking for validation or attention
Conversations gradually become more personal and move into private online spaces.
Sextortion involves using images, videos, or personal information to blackmail a child or young person. We first wrote about this in 2024, noting it was a growing threat to our young people.
Typically, the offender threatens to share something embarrassing unless the child complies — whether that means sending more images, paying money, or following instructions.
Many children stay silent because they feel ashamed or afraid of getting into trouble.
It’s also important to know that sextortion affects boys and girls differently. Boys are often targeted for money, while girls may be pressured for further images.
👉 If this ever happens to your child or young person, reassure them immediately: It is not their fault. Help is available.
Offenders may gain access to accounts through:
Data breaches
Weak or reused passwords
Phishing messages
Tricking children into sharing login details
Once inside an account, they can impersonate the child or young person, access private conversations, or gather material to use as leverage.
Many children don’t speak up because they feel scared, embarrassed, or worried about losing their devices.
Possible signs include:
Becoming unusually secretive about devices
Quickly switching screens when you enter the room
Appearing anxious, upset, or withdrawn after being online
Staying up very late online
Receiving unexpected gifts, money, or gaming credits
Talking about new online “friends” you haven’t heard of
Sudden changes in behaviour or reluctance to go to school
No single sign proves something is wrong, but patterns matter, so it’s always best to check in with them.
The single biggest protective factor is a child or young person who feels safe coming to you.
Offenders rely on secrecy and fear. If your child knows you won’t panic or punish them, they are far more likely to speak up.
Try to:
Have regular, relaxed conversations about online life
Ask who they enjoy talking to and what they like doing online
Let them know they can tell you anything, even if they’ve made a mistake or are worried about something.
Make it clear they will not be in trouble for asking for help
Simple steps dramatically reduce risk:
Turn on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Use strong, unique passwords
Set social media accounts to private
Never share passwords, even with friends
Be cautious with friend requests
Avoid sharing personal information publicly
You don’t need to join every app, but understanding what your child or young person is using helps you guide them.
Check:
Age ratings
Privacy settings
Reporting and blocking tools
Show your child how to use these features if something feels wrong. Check out our previous videos and blog articles for helpful, step-by-step guidance on how many popular apps work and what parents and caregivers need to know.
Involving children in setting boundaries is far more effective than imposing strict rules.
Consider agreeing together on things like:
No devices in bedrooms overnight
Charging devices in a shared space
Being open about who they communicate with online
If your child tells you something worrying or you suspect a problem, your reaction matters enormously.
Stay calm. Listen. Reassure.
Avoid blaming them or immediately confiscating their device, as this can stop children from seeking help in the future.
If possible, preserve evidence before blocking or deleting accounts by taking screenshots.
Support is available:
CEOP — specialist police unit for online child abuse (ceop.police.uk)
NSPCC Helpline — 0808 800 5000
Childline — 0800 1111 (for children directly)
Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) — Report harmful content and remove images
Local police — Call 101 (or 999 in an emergency)
Online safety can feel overwhelming, especially as technology moves so quickly. But you don’t need to know everything to help keep your child or young person safer online.
The most powerful safeguards are simple and human:
❤️ Strong relationships
💬 Open communication
🧠 Staying curious about their digital world
😌 Responding calmly when problems arise
The risks are real — but so is your ability to reduce them.
Stay involved in your child’s digital world and keep those conversations going.
If you would like further help
👉 Download the Parents App for clear step by step guides and practical support
👉 Book a one to one session with me to help with any questions or guidance you might need
You don’t have to figure this out alone. 💛
Wayne
Remember to share it with your family & friends.
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