How cult-like online groups target children through gaming

A recent ABC investigation highlights a troubling form of online exploitation affecting Australian children through coercive, cult-like networks that use games, social platforms and messaging apps.

These networks can use friendship, harassment, threats and blackmail to gain control over a child. In some cases, victims are pressured into creating sexual material, isolating themselves from the people who care about them, or harming themselves.

This risk isn’t limited to children in Australia. The individuals behind these networks operate across borders, targeting children with online access, particularly those who are lonely, distressed, looking for acceptance, or going through a difficult time.

Key takeaways

• Children can be approached through online games, then encouraged to move to private chat apps
• Seemingly harmless questions can be used to collect personal information and make threats more convincing
• Some victims are pressured into sharing intimate content, self-harming or isolating themselves from family and friends
• Police warn that victims can also be coerced into targeting other children
• Parents should know which games, platforms and chat apps their children use, keep conversations open and use parental controls as an added layer of protection

How a gaming conversation can turn into exploitation

In the ABC report, a teenager identified as Emma described meeting someone through an online game (Roblox) after he praised her gaming skills. He then encouraged her to move the conversation to the Discord platform, which allows messaging, video chat and file-sharing.

"I met this guy … he said that I was really good at the game," the young girl told ABC.

At first, the questions seemed ordinary: her age, school and other personal details. But the conversation escalated. Emma was asked for selfies and then more explicit images. The person threatened to share material if she didn’t comply.

"Then he started asking me for, like, pics that were not good … [telling] me 'if you don't do this, I will leak you,'" she said.

By that point, he had gathered enough information to identify Emma and her parents, including their contact details.

Her story shows why parents shouldn't assume a child will recognize danger immediately. The first message may come from someone who seems friendly, supportive or close in age. They may be playing the same game, listening to the same music or simply offering the kind of attention a child feels they need at that moment.

"They made me upset, but I was too scared to tell my parents. That's the main thing. I never told my parents about any of this," Emma explains.

What law enforcement is seeing

Emma’s case is among 19 referrals made to the WA Police Force cybercrime squad in the past 18 months, according to the ABC. That figure reflects referrals, not necessarily confirmed cases tied to one specific group.

Police say victims may be pressured into self-harm, sexual exploitation or other harmful acts. One especially troubling pattern is that some children are then coerced into becoming offenders themselves by approaching, manipulating or harassing others.

These groups do not necessarily function like a traditional cult with a fixed leader or formal membership. But they can use cult-like methods: creating a sense of belonging, rewarding obedience, making harmful behavior appear normal, and convincing victims that they cannot leave or ask for help. For the child, the experience can quickly become frightening and isolating.

Law enforcement describes this as a growing global threat. The Australian Federal Police-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation says offenders may approach children through gaming platforms, social media apps and forums, first offering friendship, attention or a sense of belonging.

The relationship can then become extremely controlling. An offender may encourage a child to move to a private chat app, ask increasingly personal questions, make them keep secrets or use threats to make them comply.

In October 2025, the AFP said it had identified 59 alleged Australian members of a decentralized online crime network associated with child exploitation, cybercrime and violence.

Doxxing and swatting: tactics used to scare children into silence

Once an offender has personal information, threats can become more believable.

Doxxing is the act of sharing someone’s personal information online without their permission. This could include a child’s name, phone number, home address, school, or details about their parents and their work. The goal is to frighten the victim or encourage others to harass them.

Swatting is another intimidation tactic these individuals use. It involves making a false emergency report to send police or emergency responders to someone’s home.

A child who believes an offender knows where they live, who their parents are or how to reach them may feel trapped. They may hide what is happening because they are ashamed, frightened or worried that they will get in trouble.

That’s why the response at home matters so much. Children need to know they can ask for help, even if they have shared something personal, spoken to a stranger or ignored well established rules within the family.

Warning signs parents should not ignore

There is no single sign that proves a child is being targeted. But a sudden change in behavior around devices, games, or online friends is worth noticing.

Be on the lookout for these changes in your child’s behavior:

• Hides their screen, quickly closes apps or becomes unusually protective of a device
• Withdraws from family, friends, school or activities they would normally enjoy
• Seems distressed, anxious or angry after being online
• Becomes secretive about a particular game, chat app or online friend
• Suddenly uses unfamiliar apps, has multiple accounts or private group chats
• Receives unexplained gifts, in-game currency or attention from strangers
• Appears fearful that someone will share information or images about them
• Talks about self-harm, appears to be self-harming or seems overwhelmed and isolated

These signs can have many causes. The goal is not to interrogate a child or assume the worst. It is to create an opening for a calm conversation.

What parents can do

Start by knowing where your child spends time online. Ask them to show you the games they play, the apps they use and how messaging works on those platforms. You do not need to understand every feature. Being interested makes it easier for your child to bring concerns to you later.

Set clear family rules about private chats, friend requests and moving conversations from one app to another. Younger children should generally only interact with people they know offline, while older children should understand that an online friend can still be a stranger.

Use privacy settings and parental controls to limit direct messages, voice chat, unknown friend requests and access to age-inappropriate content. A solution such as Bitdefender Family Plan can help parents manage their children’s online activity, set healthy boundaries and add protection across the family’s devices. A security solution should support and not replace regular conversations.

Most importantly, tell your child this clearly: if someone asks for photos, makes threats, wants them to keep secrets, pressures them to move to another app or makes them feel unsafe, they can come to you. They will not be blamed, and you will deal with it together.

If you think a child is being targeted

• Stay calm. Thank them for telling you and reassure them that they are not in trouble.
• Save usernames, messages, links and screenshots where possible, but do not share or forward harmful material.
• Block and report the account through the relevant platform.
• Report suspected child exploitation to law enforcement or the relevant child-protection reporting service.
• If there is an immediate risk of self-harm or danger, contact emergency services straight away.

FAQS

What are the warning signs that a child may be targeted online?

A child may become unusually secretive about their phone, games or online friends, quickly hide their screen, withdraw from family and friends, or seem upset after going online. They may also appear frightened by notifications, use new apps without explaining why, or worry that someone will share private information about them. These signs do not always mean exploitation is happening, but they are a reason to start a calm, supportive conversation.

Can children be targeted through online games?

Yes. Online games can be enjoyable social spaces, but chat and messaging features can also allow strangers to contact children. An offender may begin with a friendly conversation about the game, then encourage the child to move to another app or private chat. Teach children not to share personal information, photos, their school, address or contact details with people they only know online.

What should I do if someone threatens or blackmails my child online?

Stay calm and reassure your child that they are not in trouble. Save usernames, messages, links and screenshots, but do not share or forward harmful material. Block and report the account through the platform, then report suspected exploitation to law enforcement or the appropriate child-protection reporting service. If your child may be at immediate risk of self-harm or physical danger, contact emergency services immediately.

What is doxxing?

Doxxing is when someone shares another person’s private information online without permission. This may include their full name, address, school, phone number or information about their family. It is often used to intimidate someone or encourage others to harass them.