Sadistic Online Exploitation
- Project Rescue Children
- 3 days ago
- 1 min read
⚠️ CONTENT WARNING
Understanding Sadistic Online Exploitation (SOE).
Sadistic Online Exploitation (SOE) is one of the fastest-growing dangers facing children and young people today. Offenders don’t hide in the shadows anymore—they use the same apps, games, and platforms our kids use every day. They start by building trust… presenting themselves as a “friend,” “mentor,” or even a “romantic interest.”
Their goal? To manipulate, coerce, and slowly push a child into harmful and escalating behaviour. The result is shame, fear, confusion, and silence—exactly what predators rely on.
⚠️ Warning Signs Every Parent & Guardian Must Know:
• Self-harm signs: Graphic language, images, or discussions that suggest self-harm or emotional distress.
• Changes in sleep or eating: Sudden shifts in appetite or sleep patterns can signal deep emotional turmoil.
• Withdrawal: Pulling away from family, friends, or once-enjoyed activities.
• Secretive online behaviour: Hiding devices, deleting chats, changing patterns of online use.
• Extreme language or symbols: A sudden increase in extreme terminology or imagery influenced by harmful online communities.
🛑 Promoting Open Conversations
Children need safe spaces to speak. Make regular conversations about online life normal. Let them know:
If something feels wrong…
If someone online makes them uncomfortable…
If they feel pressured or scared…
They can always come to you.
SOE thrives in silence. Awareness breaks that silence.
Together we can protect children from predatory behaviour and build a safer online world for every child.
