‘Dark and graphic’: South Carolina’s attorney general warns of dangerous online trend targeting kids

HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WMBF) - A disturbing national trend targeting kids has come to light in recent days, and now South Carolina’s top prosecutor is sounding the alarm.

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson wants to warn parents about a “gore-seeking” trend, where groups are encouraging kids to harm themselves on camera so that they can sell the content.

“I’ve seen some pretty sick and disgusting things. This-- this is next-level,” said Wilson.

Wilson told WMBF News that FBI officials have identified the trend all over the country, and although he doesn’t have an exact number, it has shown up right here in South Carolina.

He said groups target kids on sites such as Minecraft, Discord, and Roblox, and reported victims have been as young as eight.

“Sextortion, bestiality, animal abuse, self-harm, cutting, blood signs...some of these have even led to getting people to commit suicide on film so they can be recorded for people’s pleasure,” said Wilson. “It is a very dark and graphic thing that is going on.”

Now, Wilson wants all parents to keep an extra eye out and take note if their kids start showing disturbing behavior.

Trends like these are why one Horry County mom, Haley Dutton, told WMBF News she closely monitors her daughter’s online activity.

“We, like, join her games, and check her messages, and regularly, like, ask her if anyone has said anything weird or is doing anything weird,” said Dutton.

But, even though she takes those precautions, Dutton said hearing about this new trend was alarming.

“I worry enough as it is, and so, it kind of just seems like every which way, you know, someone could be potentially trying to harm my child,” said Dutton. “It definitely is, like, anxiety-inducing, but it’s just another way that we kind of have to step up for our kids.”

Wilson warned that stepping up for your kids may look like checking in on them even when everything seems fine on the outside.

“Know what your children are doing and where they’re doing it. You know, just because they’re up in their bedroom with the door closed or in the house behind a closed door, doesn’t mean they’re necessarily safe,” said Wilson. “A lot of this conduct is happening in the homes while the parents are downstairs, while the parents are sleeping.”

If you have a suspicion that your child is either participating in this activity or is a victim of this activity, you’re asked to contact the FBI or the Attorney General’s Office.

Copyright 2025 WMBF. All rights reserved.