764 network
764 is a violent online extremist network whose members befriend teens, mostly girls, then use threats and blackmail to push them into harming themselves, and recent prosecutions in the US and Québec show police are treating it as a real and serious threat.
Should I worry?
764 is a network of mostly young members who use mainstream social platforms to find vulnerable teens, build trust, then turn to threats, blackmail and manipulation to force them into degrading or harmful acts, which are recorded and shared to gain status. The FBI treats it as a form of terrorism, and prosecutors in the US and Québec have recently secured long sentences and laid terrorism charges. Anyone can be targeted, but teens who feel lonely, insecure or isolated are most at risk. Warning signs include a new online friend who gets very close very fast, pressure to keep the friendship secret, a push to move to a private app, sudden withdrawal, hiding the screen, signs of self-harm, or panic about being threatened. If your child is being threatened, stay calm, tell them they are not in trouble, and keep the messages instead of deleting them. Don't reply to or negotiate with the person, and report it right away.
How to join in
There is no fun side to 764, so the way in is not about the trend itself. It is about making sure your teen knows they can tell you about any uncomfortable online contact without losing their phone or getting in trouble. Kids don't join in because it's cool; they get drawn in through friendliness and then trapped by fear and shame. Ask them what they know about people who pressure others online, and how they would handle a friend who suddenly asked them to keep secrets.
Try saying
“I read about people online who pretend to be friendly and then start making threats, and I want you to know that if anything like that ever happens, you would never be in trouble with me. Even if you already did something you regret, I would help you first and ask questions later. Can we agree that you'll come to me if anyone online makes you feel scared or stuck?”
If you’re worried
If your child is in immediate danger or at risk of self-harm, call 911. Call or text 988 for anything involving suicide or self-harm. Report online sexual exploitation, blackmail and threats to Cybertip.ca, and use NeedHelpNow.ca to get intimate images taken down. Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868, or text 686868) is available to your child any time. Contact your local police if you have been threatened, and keep screenshots and messages as evidence.
Sources
From Mistlift, mistlift.app. Plain talk about what kids are into online.