Dutch Children Active in Chat Groups for Sexual Extortion and Violence

A deeply concerning development has surfaced: recent investigations reveal that Dutch children are becoming involved in international chat groups centered on sexual extortion and extreme violence. These networks, collectively known as "Com" (short for “community”), prey on vulnerable youth through popular platforms like Minecraft and Roblox.

What Is the "Com" Network?

• An international criminal network: The Com is a large-scale cybercriminal community with thousands of members worldwide. They manipulate children into violent or sexual acts — sometimes against themselves, sometimes against others.

• Extreme abuse and manipulation: Victims, often between 8 and 17 years old, are coerced into producing abusive and harmful content, including animal abuse, sexual violence, and even suicide attempts.

• Global investigations and arrests: Agencies such as the FBI and Interpol are actively investigating these groups, and dozens of arrests have already been made across several countries.

The Scope of the Problem in the Netherlands

• Widespread online sexual abuse: Research shows that around half of Dutch youth (ages 12–25) experience online sexual harassment, grooming, sextortion, or deepfake abuse — an estimated 200,000+ victims each year.

• Severe underreporting: Victim Support Netherlands reports that over 100,000 young people experience online sexual abuse annually, but very few cases are reported to the police due to shame, fear, or manipulation by perpetrators.

• Persistent stigma: Many victims do not seek help, which prolongs trauma and delays intervention.

Why This Matters for Child Psychology

1. Severe Psychological Impact: The emotional toll of online abuse — including anxiety, depression, guilt, and PTSD — can be profound and long-lasting.

2. Vulnerability Increases Risk: These networks often target children already in vulnerable situations — such as LGBTQ+ youth, minority groups, or children struggling with mental health challenges.

3. Isolation and Silence: Many victims remain silent, either out of shame or fear of retaliation. Often, parents or educators are unaware until the situation escalates dangerously.

   
   

How Baumgarten Child Psychology and More Can Help

• Awareness and Education: Provide workshops and materials for parents, schools, and professionals to help identify signs of grooming, sextortion, or involvement with abusive networks.

• Create a Safe Space for Dialogue: Encourage open, nonjudgmental conversations with children about their online experiences, emphasizing empathy over punishment.

• Professional Training: Offer specialized training for child psychologists and youth workers to understand digital dangers and to deliver trauma-informed care.

• Collaboration with Support Services: Partner with organizations like HelpWanted, Victim Support Netherlands, and Veilig Thuis to provide immediate assistance and structured recovery plans.

• Prevention Programs in Schools: Develop interactive programs that teach children about digital safety, boundaries, and healthy online behavior, aligning with recommendations from the Dutch National Rapporteur on Sexual Violence.

Conclusion

The revelation that Dutch children are active in harmful chat groups such as “Com” is shocking — but it reflects a broader crisis of online sexual violence against youth. For child psychologists, educators, and caregivers, staying informed, proactive, and compassionate is critical.

At Baumgarten Child Psychology and More, we believe that creating a safe bridge between children’s digital lives and their emotional well-being is key to prevention, intervention, and healing.

Source: NOS — “Nederlandse kinderen actief in chatgroepen voor seksuele afpersing en geweld,” August 2025.