July 2025: How to Protect Kids From Sextortion
Culture Reframed is the premier science-based, global organization working to stop the emotional, behavioral, and sexual harms of pornography to children and youth. Join our online community to receive updates on our work, announcements of upcoming events, and the latest news related to pornography and youth.
In our increasingly online world, I hear concerns not only about children’s exposure to pornography but also about screen time, gaming, sextortion, and the growing influence of AI. For parents and caregivers, a willingness to understand these issues is a crucial first step.
At Culture Reframed, we’re committed to helping families navigate this hyperconnected world with clarity, confidence, and evidence-based tools. In this month’s newsletter, we feature insights from two leading voices in digital wellness—Julia Storm and Adrienne Principe—who share practical advice and real-life experience as parents themselves. I invite you to read their Q&A and register for our free July 31 webinar, where you can ask them your questions and connect with others navigating similar terrain.
No matter what challenges you’re facing, know that you are not alone. Together, we can raise a generation equipped to thrive—online and off.
— Gail Dines, PhD
Founder & CEO, Culture Reframed
Helping Families Safely Navigate the Online World: A Conversation with Two Digital Wellness Experts
At what age should my child get a smartphone?
How can I help my child limit their time spent online?
What should I know about AI and children?
The widespread use of digital devices among kids raises urgent questions from parents and caregivers—but you don’t have to figure it out alone. In this new Q&A, digital wellness experts Julia Storm of ReConnect and Adrienne Principe of Turning Life On offer practical answers to parents’ and caregivers’ most common concerns. They emphasize the importance of open, ongoing communication and share how they approach screen time in their own homes as parents of tweens and teens.
How You Can Protect Kids From Sextortion Through Awareness and Action
Sextortion, also known as digital blackmail, is one of the fastest-growing forms of child sexual exploitation, and many young people and adults are not aware of the threat it poses. More importantly, adults often do not know how to protect kids from the threats of sextortion. Yet, despite how terrifying this crime is, prevention and response are possible.
In this informative article for parents and caregivers, we answer these critical questions:
- What is sextortion?
- How does sextortion happen?
- What danger does sextortion pose to kids?
- How can you protect young people from sextortion?
How Can I Spot the Warning Signs That My Child is Struggling with Porn Consumption?
It’s not a matter of if a child will be exposed to pornography, but when. As adults, we must help young people reject images that promote sexism, objectification, and abusive attitudes and behaviors. In this new resource, we highlight the indicators, behaviors, and steps for addressing porn consumption by young people.
Hear From Gail
“Pornland” (WMC Live)
Dr. Gail Dines recently spoke with her longtime friend and colleague, best-selling author Robin Morgan, on the radio show WMC Live. They discussed the latest statistics and hopeful new developments on the porn crisis. Listen now.
The Strange Bedfellows Driving — and Winning — the War on Porn (NBC News)
The porn crisis is no longer a fringe issue. In a new feature from NBC News, Dr. Gail Dines shares how decades of public health advocacy and education are making an impact on the porn industry. Read more.
Upcoming Events
Here’s where you can find the Culture Reframed team next month:
International Human Trafficking & Social Justice Conference
September 17–19 | Virtual
This virtual conference aims to unite the global community to learn, connect, and collaborate to combat human trafficking and promote social justice. Dr. Gail Dines and Dr. Mandy Sanchez will deliver the presentation, “Social Media, Porn, & Artificial Intelligence (AI): The New Faces of Trafficking.”
JuST Conference 2025
October 14-16 | Orlando, FL
Dr. Mandy Sanchez will present “Social Media, Porn, Artificial Intelligence (AI): The New Faces of Trafficking” at the nation’s leading training conference on juvenile sex trafficking.
What others are saying
Supreme Court Upholds Childproofing Porn Sites (The Conversation)
On June 27, the US Supreme Court ruled the Texas porn site age verification law constitutional, on the basis that any burden to adults’ First Amendment rights is “incidental” to the protection of minors, and pointing to the dramatic technological advancements since prior rulings. Read more.
Screen Time and Emotional Problems in Kids: A Vicious Circle? (American Psychological Association)
A meta-analysis shows that increased screen time can lead to more socioemotional problems in adolescents, who in turn utilize their devices to cope. Read more.
We Tried the ChatGPT ‘Reverse Location Search’ Trend, and It’s Scary (Mashable)
ChatGPT users have discovered the AI chatbot’s remarkable ability to analyze photos and determine the location where they were captured, sparking deepened concerns about online safety and privacy. Read more.
From the Pandemic to Porn, Here’s How Norms Around Sex Are Shifting for Gen Z (NPR)
Sex ed class on Zoom, the overturning of Roe V. Wade, and ubiquitous “rough sex” porn scripts are all factors that have transformed Gen Z’s relationship with sex. Read more.
Ofcom Head Says Age Checks Are ‘Really Big Moment’ for Children’s Online Safety (The Guardian)
In the UK, new online safety checks must be implemented by the end of July. Chief media regulator Melanie Dawes says the rules will protect children from harmful content, but some are calling for tougher action against big tech. Read more.
Safer Gaming Is a Cornerstone of the Digital Safety Movement. Here’s How to Achieve It (World Economic Forum)
Two interventions, a gaming safety toolkit and a gaming safety platform, could potentially transform online gaming safety. Read more.
Help Make the Internet Safe for Kids
Our community makes our work possible, fueling our mission to create a healthy, equality-based culture that supports young people’s well-being. Donations strengthen and extend our global impact, allowing us to produce free and accessible resources like those included in this month’s newsletter. Join our community of Culture Reframed Champions by setting up a monthly gift. Together, we can build this movement to address the emotional, behavioral, and sexual harms of pornography on young people.
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