This Post: “764” Group: What Is It and Why Parents NEED to Know About It
Written By: Marybeth Bock
As a parent, I try not to panic every time the internet throws something new at our kids… but some things stop you cold.
Lately, dangerous online groups like the “764” network have been showing up in the lives of teens, targeting them with manipulation, intimidation, self-harm pressure, and violent content. And honestly? It’s terrifying.
Here’s the thing, parents… we can’t protect our kids from everything, but we can stay informed, make sure we understand what our kids are up against, and do everything in our power to keep them safe.
“764” Group: What Is It and Why Parents of Teens NEED to Know About It
The reality of this extremist group’s activity is dark and alarming, and it’s happening in the very online spaces our teens visit every day. But before panic sets in, take a breath. We’ll walk you through what this group is, why teens are vulnerable, and most importantly, what you can do to keep your child safe.
What Is the 764 Group?
“764” is the name given by law enforcement to an internet-based sextortion and predator network that specifically targets minors and that has been tied to grooming, coercion, child sexual abuse material (CSAM), forced self-harm, and other violent and abusive conduct. It was founded in 2021 by a bullied teenager from Texas and operates across encrypted and mainstream platforms (Discord, Telegram, Instagram, Roblox, and even Minecraft) and has splinter groups and sub-channels in multiple countries.
Parents, this is not ordinary online bullying — it’s organized grooming, sextortion, and exploitation, and it’s extremely dangerous.
According to reports, as many as 10,000 people around the world are “actively engaged” in the online world of 764 and its related networks. That number may not seem like a lot, especially considering that’s a global number. But I assure you, parents, that number hits home when your teen is among those being victimized.
Law enforcement reports say that group members work to groom vulnerable tweens and teens, often encouraging and coercing them into creating self-harm content, making sexually explicit material, and even engaging in violent or suicidal behavior.
The FBI considers 764 a terrorist organization and an immediate and dangerous cyber threat. They are currently investigating hundreds of people connected to the network.
Why Is This Group Especially Dangerous for Teenagers?
If you think a group like this could never manipulate your teenager, think again…
Predators within 764 and similar groups establish emotional connections by “love-bombing” vulnerable kids who may already feel isolated or depressed.
They work to develop social bonds by establishing a friendship or a romantic relationship, which can feel exciting and special to a teen. Once trust is established, members pressure kids into sending explicit pictures or videos of self-harm activities like cutting, then they use that to control or force further harm. They have also been known to offer kids money or other types of online currency in exchange for producing sexual material and self-harming videos.
According to ABC News:
“Three weeks ago, Seattle-area mother, Leslie Taylor, wept as she and her husband visited the cemetery that now holds the ashes of their son Jay, a 13-year-old who livestreamed his suicide after authorities say he was pushed to do it by members of 764.”
Here’s What Parents Should Watch Out For
If your teen starts to show increased secrecy about their online life, like quickly closing windows and hiding screens, or being defensive when asked about new friends or new apps, that’s a warning sign that something could be up. Be extra diligent if they display any kind of paranoia or fear about revealing what they’re doing online or seem to have an overly emotional attachment to certain online “friends.”
Keep your eyes and ears open when your teen is gaming or messaging others. Teens who suddenly become obsessed with violent, gory, or extremist content, or talk about “cut signs,” “blood signs,” or use similarly coded language that seems connected to self-harm, may be communicating with dangerous people. We all know teens can be moody at times, but if yours suddenly seems unusually emotionally distant, depressed, or mentions suicidal thoughts – especially if online “friendships” are involved – sit with them and begin discussions right away.
Online Safety Checklist: 10 Things You Can Do to Protect Your Teen
You can’t monitor your teen 24/7, and technology is constantly changing, but there are things you can do to decrease the chances that your child will become a victim.
1. Educate Yourself AND Your Teen
Read up on emerging extremist and predatory networks like 764. Develop an understanding of how these networks operate, how they target vulnerable minors, and how they use manipulation, sextortion, and self-harm to control victims. Then, share the information with your teen. The more information both you and your teen have, the better equipped you’ll be to identify potential online dangers and avoid them.
Sources:
- There Are Dark Corners of the Internet. Then There’s 764
- Modern-Day Terrorism’: How the Online Extremist Network is Threatening Teen Lives
- The Darkest of the Dark: The 764 Network
2. Use the Know2Protect Toolkit Established by the Department of Homeland Security
Follow the DHS’s Know2Protect Checklist to keep your teen safe.
3. Review and Secure Their Accounts (Respectfully)
Make sure your teen’s social media profiles are set to private. Turn off geo-location sharing for apps, and ask to see their friend list, messages, and the servers/groups they join. Use device check-ins or have your teen agree to “random checks.” Frame it as “I love you, and I want to protect you,” versus “I don’t trust you.”
Know which apps your teens use (like Snapchat, Discord, Telegram, and gaming platforms) and utilize parental controls thoughtfully. It is possible to balance supervision with trust. If your teen feels aggressively watched, they may retreat further and/or become secretive.
4. Talk Openly About Online Safety, AI, and Extremism
Your teen needs to understand that not everyone online is who they claim to be. Someone posing as a “lonely teen across town” might have dark, manipulative motives. Ask questions. Stay involved in your teen’s online activity. Dive into who they’re talking to, talk about why they shouldn’t share any private information, and why they should never succumb to requests to send sexually explicit images, self-harm videos, or other questionable material. Above all, encourage your teen to come to you if anything they read or see online makes them feel uncomfortable or pressured.
5. Watch for Warning Signs & Report Anything Suspicious
If your teen suddenly seems withdrawn, unusually anxious, irritable, or overwhelmed, pay attention. These changes can signal they’re struggling with something bigger than they’re saying. Trust your instincts.
Also, if you notice anything alarming or “off” with your teen or if they mention “making content,” “creating videos,” or “live chats” that sound more than casual conversations with their typical friend group, dig deeper.
REPORT IT: If you believe your child or another teen is being targeted, report it to law enforcement. Save screenshots, chat logs, usernames, and any evidence you can that they’re being manipulated, threatened, or exploited. If anyone under 18 years old is involved, it should immediately be reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) via their CyberTipline.
6. Strengthen Your Teen’s Emotional Resilience
An emotionally strong teenager who has been taught to remain vigilant in the online world is far better protected than those who aren’t. Coach them on how to politely but firmly decline “friend requests” from people they don’t know, how and why to say a firm “NO” to manipulative demands, and encourage them to come to you immediately if they feel uncomfortable, threatened, or manipulated in ANY WAY.
7. Build a Support Network
As a parent, talk about the 764 group with other parents, check in with each other, and talk about what your teen is doing online, what’s trending, and what apps kids (not just yours) are using. Also, make sure your teen can talk to you and strive to build a “trusted network” of other adults they can turn to, including teachers, school counselors, coaches, or community leaders.
8. Keep the Conversation Going
This isn’t a one-time “safety talk” conversation. Reinforce (over and over again) that not everyone deserves their trust. Revisit the conversation often as your teen grows and uses new/different platforms.
9. Encourage More Offline Connections
Make plenty of time and space for your teen to enjoy real-world friendships and activities. Teens who feel supported by any-sized community in real life are less likely to be lured by online predators.
10. Seek Out a Mental Health Professional If Needed
If you notice that your teenager is self-harming or is showing signs of deep emotional distress, reach out to a mental health professional who can help. Your teen’s primary doctor and their school’s counseling department can share resources with you.
Be mindful that the 764 group isn’t just “social media drama” or a creepy corner of the internet.
They are a predatory and extremist network that specifically and actively targets vulnerable teenagers. Groups like 764 are dangerous and evolving, but awareness, action, and open communication with your teenager and other parents are powerful tools. By staying vigilant, proactive, and loving, you can keep your teen safe.
For more NCMEC resources, go to https://www.missingkids.org/gethelpnow/exploitation-resources.
Marybeth Bock, MPH, is a Mom to two young adults and one delightful hound dog. She has logged time as a military spouse, childbirth educator, college instructor, and freelance writer. She lives in Arizona and thoroughly enjoys research and writing, as long as iced coffee is involved. Her work can be found on numerous websites and in two books. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
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