Dr. Phil

Dr. Phil continues his conversation about "sextortion," a serious crime that occurs when someone manipulates you into sending a compromising image and threatens to distribute your private and sensitive material if you don't provide them more images, sexual favors, or money. These relentless and remorseless predators are targeting children as young as 5 years old, and it's not only happening to girls; boys are also victims as well. Mary and Darren say their son, Riley, died by suicide after being sextorted when he was 15. Pauline says her 17-year-old son, Ryan, sent a perpetrator, who he thought was a girl his age, a photo, and that's when the blackmailing began. Pauline says after only eight hours, Ryan tragically took his own life. Pauline says she now works with Angelie Donzanti, Crime and Intelligence Analyst for the San Jose Police Department, who runs the Vigilant Parent Initiative, a hands-on learning program that gives parents and educators a deeper dive into the current trending apps. Plus, Sergeant Sean Pierce, Commander of the Silicon Valley Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, says there's no difference between giving your child unlimited access to the internet and leaving your child home alone with the front door open.