For most schools, today, December 20th is the last day of school before the start of Christmas break. School breaks, whether it’s Christmas, Spring Break, or the long summer vacation, are often seen as times of celebration, rest, and enjoyment. However, for many youth and teens, these periods come with unique challenges, including a rise in sextortion cases and mental health struggles. Understanding why these spikes occur and how to address them is crucial for parents and caregivers who want to support their children effectively during these times.
One major factor contributing to the increase in sextortion cases during school breaks is the significant rise in unsupervised online activity and later sleep times. With more free time and less structure, teens often turn to social media, gaming, and messaging apps to entertain themselves or connect with peers. While these platforms offer opportunities for engagement, they can also expose youth and teens to risks. Online threat actors take advantage of this increased online presence, knowing that youth and teens may be more likely to engage in risky behaviours out of boredom, inquisitiveness, or a desire for connection. This environment creates fertile ground for sextortion, where perpetrators coerce youth and teens into sharing explicit images or videos, often under the guise of friendship or romantic interest. (1)
In the 326 cases of teen sextortion that we have helped families with, here are the three essential elements that we have identifies in almost all cases:
- teen in their bedroom at night
- in possession of a device that can connect to the internet such as a cellphone, laptop, or gaming console
- with no supervised access
This is one reason why we highly recommend that youth and teens not be allowed to have technology in the bedroom, especially at night, no matter what time of year.
For parents and caregivers, having open conversations about online safety is essential. Discussing the tactics used in sextortion and emphasizing the importance of maintaining boundaries online can empower youth and teens to recognize and avoid potential dangers. Encouraging a balance between online and offline activities, along with maintaining an atmosphere of trust, helps youth and teens feel comfortable seeking support if something goes wrong.
In addition to the risks posed by sextortion, school breaks such as Christmas often reveal the significant role schools play as an emotional and psychological safety net for many youth and teens. Beyond academics, schools provide emotional support through teachers, counsellors, and friends. For teens who may not have a supportive environment at home, this daily interaction is a critical lifeline. When schools close, this support network temporarily disappears, leaving vulnerable youth and teens without the stability and connection they rely on. For some, the absence of this structure can amplify feelings of loneliness, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideations – particularly if their home environment is stressful or unsupportive during the holiday season.
Social media can sometimes further complicate these challenges. During breaks, youth and teens may find themselves comparing their lives to the idealized versions of others showcased online. Seeing peers enjoying their Christmas gifts or enjoying elaborate holiday celebrations online can create feelings of inadequacy and isolation for those who don’t feel their experiences measure up. This pressure can intensify existing mental health struggles, especially for youth and teens already at risk, leading some teens to withdraw or exhibit signs of emotional distress.
Recognizing the warning signs of sextortion and mental health struggles is another key aspect of parent and caregiver involvement during school breaks. A sudden change in a teen’s behaviour, such as secrecy around their phone or unexplained anxiety, may indicate that something is wrong. Similarly, noticeable shifts in mood, sleep patterns, or interest in activities can signal mental health challenges that should be addressed with care and support.
Christmas and other school breaks may appear to be periods of celebration, relaxation, and freedom, but for some youth and teens, they present significant vulnerabilities. The combination of increased unsupervised online activity, disrupted routines, and the temporary loss of school-based support systems creates a perfect storm for risks like sextortion and mental health challenges especially for youth who are already at risk. While these issues can feel daunting, parents and caregivers have the power to make a meaningful difference.
Open conversations about online safety, setting healthy boundaries around technology use, and providing a supportive home environment can help mitigate the risks. Being emotionally present and attentive to changes in behaviour ensures teens feel seen and valued, even during the more challenging moments of these breaks.
For some youth and teens, particularly those in unsupportive or abusive homes, these solutions may not be enough. In these cases, it’s critical for communities and schools to extend their reach, offering accessible resources and support systems that can bridge the gap when school is out. By working together, parents, caregivers, educators, and communities, we can create safer environments where all teens have the opportunity to thrive, no matter the time of year.
This collaborative effort not only addresses the immediate risks but also fosters resilience in youth and teens as they navigate the complexities of adolescence in today’s onlife world. Schools can help by providing resources and reminders about available mental health services before breaks begin, ensuring youth and teens know where to turn if they feel overwhelmed. Similarly, community organizations can play a vital role by offering programs and safe spaces that provide both social interaction and support during these periods.
Parents and caregivers must also recognize that the challenges faced during school breaks are not solely about prevention but about building trust and understanding. Creating an environment where youth and teens feel safe discussing their experiences, including mistakes or risky behaviours, is key to fostering open dialogue and proactive problem-solving. When youth and teens know they can seek help without fear of judgment from parents and caregivers, they are more likely to turn to trusted adults rather than navigating these challenges alone.
Addressing the spike in sextortion cases and mental health struggles during school breaks, especially during Christmas break, requires a holistic approach. By combining education, supervision, emotional support, and accessible community resources, we can empower youth and teens to stay safe, build resilience, and emerge from these breaks stronger and more self-assured. The goal is not just to respond to crises but to equip youth and teens with the tools and confidence to navigate the challenges of growing up in an increasingly connected world. Together, we can ensure that school breaks, like Christmas, become times of growth and opportunity rather than periods of vulnerability.
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
Facts Not Fear, Facts Not Emotions, Enlighten Not Frighten, Know Tech Not No Tech
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