In this episode of Therapy, Tech & Takeout, Jackie and Toni are joined by licensed mental health therapist Sheena Beach for a serious and important conversation about teen sextortion, cyberbullying, self-harm, and digital shame.

Inspired by a New York Post article reporting on teen suicides connected to sextortion scams, the conversation explores how online coercion can quickly become a mental health crisis for adolescents. Sheena explains what self-harm can look like, why it is not always the same as suicidal intent, and how parents can respond with calm, connection, and choice instead of shame.

We also discuss the tech side of the problem: fake accounts, disappearing messages, AI, anonymous profiles, parental monitoring tools, and the difficult balance between protecting kids and maintaining trust.

This episode includes discussion of self-harm, suicide, sextortion, and child exploitation. Please take care while listening.

Show Notes / Resources

Article discussed:
Sextortion and teen suicide connection:
https://nypost.com/2025/12/10/us-news/38-us-teens-died-by-suicide-in-five-years-from-sextortion-scams/

Cyberbullying and sexting laws by state:
https://cyberbullying.org/sexting-laws

Healthcare-based guidance on self-harm:
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/emotional-problems/Pages/when-children-and-teens-self-harm.aspx

Self-harm and suicide information:
https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-health/self-harm/self-harm-statistics/
https://afsp.org/

Cyberbullying and sextortion resources:
https://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/what-is-it
https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2023/PSA230912
https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams/sextortion/financially-motivated-sextortion

Books for children and teens:
My Body is Private by Linda Gerard
https://a.co/d/014SLl9s

Do You Have a Secret? by Jennifer Moore-Mallinos
https://a.co/d/0ex9FHg5

Let’s Talk About Body Boundaries, Consent and Respect by Jayneen Sanders
https://a.co/d/0eoHS1sc

The Internet Is Not Your Friend: Online Safety for Teens by Kyan Montague
https://a.co/d/09TNaHxx

Parental safety and monitoring tools mentioned:
Bark Technology: https://www.bark.us/
Qustodio: https://www.qustodio.com/en/
Aura Parent: https://www.aura.com/parents
Family Keeper: https://reasonlabs.com/platform/products/parental-control?fk_redirect=1

Guest:
Sheena Beach, licensed mental health therapist and founder of Canopy Counseling. Licensed in North Carolina and South Carolina, with telehealth availability in Florida. Connect with Sheena www.sheenabeach.com

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 in the U.S. for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.