Perth father who committed suicide over son’s WhatsApp story shares warning all parents need to hear

A shocked father has revealed how he attempted suicide after discovering his 10-year-old had sent explicit photos to a stranger in exchange for game vouchers.

The Perth father found two years’ worth of messages between his son and the stranger on WhatsApp.

He said his son met the unidentified person on the popular video game Fortnite before they connected over the phone service.

The father became suspicious after the 10-year-old’s phone kept ringing and the caller was dubbed “best friend for life”.

He is now warning other Australian parents to keep a close eye on their children.

The father said his son met the unidentified person in the popular video game Fortnite before they connected via WhatsApp (stock image).

“We have this mentality as parents that this will never happen to my child. But it did,” he told 7 News.

“It sent me into a mental spiral with multiple suicide attempts out of guilt.

“His phone kept ringing on WhatsApp and the name kept popping up (as) best friend for life.

‘I said, ‘What’s your name?’ and he couldn’t tell me.’

After searching his son’s phone, he discovered he had sent the photos in exchange for $300 Xbox vouchers.

“A conversation would be like, ‘Hello, how are you?’ … back and forth and then one of the messages asking about the photo, he’s like, ‘I’m guessing you don’t want that coupon?’

“Right after my kid sent photos,” he said.

The father became suspicious after the 10-year-old’s phone kept ringing and the caller’s name was ‘best friend for life’.

To make matters worse, the father said many of his son’s conversations with the stranger were conducted over the phone, making it impossible to know what was discussed.

According to Kids Helpline, there is a growing trend of “sextortion,” where teenagers between the ages of 14 and 17 are assaulted online.

In one case, a father and his 17-year-old contacted the Kids Helpline after the teen was asked to send $5,000 to prevent his nude photos from being sent to contacts.

The teenager had sent the photos to a 16-year-old girl.

The “girl” had sent him a nude photo and asked for one in return.

The scammer then threatened him and demanded money.

Perth dad is now warning other Australian parents to keep a close eye on their children’s online use (stock image)

KHL spokesman Leo Hede said boys were targeted because they were less likely to ask for help.

“It’s sort of the tip of the iceberg,” he said.

“Our families and young people really need to be aware that this is one of the many online scams they can fall victim to.

“Make sure you are approachable and available (to your child). Keep calm, remind the young person that it is not their fault that they have been the victim of a criminal,” he said.

If you or someone you know needs support you can contact Lifeline 131 114, Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.