Best friends Sierra and Kaylee were 11 and 12 years old when they were each targeted by online sextortionists who manipulated them into exposing their bodies and self-harming for the camera. Pauline’s 17-year-old son, Ryan, died by suicide just eight hours after she says sextortionists tried to extort $5,000 from him after they convinced him to send them a compromising photograph. Mary and Darren say the same thing happened to their 15-year-old son, Riley.

Sergeant Sean Pierce, Commander of the Silicon Valley Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, says that in his experience, both boys and girls are being blackmailed for sexual pictures and videos. But, while in most cases, the girls are manipulated to continue providing images to their blackmailers over time, it is the boys who are most often extorted for money.

“As soon as the money has been sent, it doesn’t stop because now they (the sextortionists) have a money source. Now they’re going to start going for more money,” says Sergeant Pierce.

Watch the video above to find out how sextortionists are targeting their victims.

The conclusion of this two-part Dr. Phil, “Sextorted to Death,” airs Tuesday. And later, what should parents be watching for and talking to their kids about when it comes to keeping them safe online?

Check your local listing for airtimes.

Due to strong sexual content, viewer discretion is advised.

If you, your child, or someone you know is the victim of sextortion, report it immediately to your local law enforcement agency. You can also report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1 (800) The Lost (843-5678) and online at www.cybertipline.org.

If you or someone you know are experiencing a mental health emergency, call or text the national suicide & crisis lifeline by dialing 9-8-8, or reach out to http://988lifeline.org to chat.

WATCH: Mom Of Teen Who Died By Suicide Says Sextortionists Demanded $5k After He Sent Them A Compromising Photo 

TELL DR. PHIL YOUR STORY: Are you involved in a story making headlines?