Assume Nothing – Creation of a Teenage Satanist | BBC Podcast Investigates Online Teen Extremism
The internet, while a powerful tool for connection, can also be a gateway into dangerous and hidden communities. BBC Local’s latest investigative podcast, “Assume Nothing: Creation of a Teenage Satanist,” sheds light on how vulnerable teenagers are manipulated into extreme online networks, sometimes with devastating consequences.
Hosted by journalist and mother of two, Jo Palmer, the four-part series explores the covert, global web of influence that preys on young minds, exposing alarming risks that parents may never anticipate.
The Story of Cameron Finnigan: A Teen Drawn into Darkness
The podcast focuses on Cameron Finnigan, a teenager from southern England, whose life was profoundly affected by his involvement with “764”, a secretive international network currently under investigation by law enforcement agencies, including the FBI.
Key details about this network:
Recruitment: Teens are lured via mainstream chatrooms and social media platforms.
Coercion: Members are pressured to live-stream occult rituals, engage in self-harm, and participate in conversations encouraging suicide and violent acts.
Exploitation: The group targets isolation, insecurity, and the natural adolescent desire to belong, turning vulnerability into control.
Cameron’s story illustrates how a seemingly ordinary teenager can become enmeshed in dangerous communities before anyone realizes what’s happening.
Global Reach of Online Extremism
The investigation spans multiple countries, revealing that the threat isn’t confined to one region:
United Kingdom: Cameron’s life is upended as he becomes increasingly involved with the group.
Canada: A mother’s struggle to protect her daughter highlights the challenges parents face in monitoring digital activity.
Romania: The podcast uncovers a horrifying case in which chatroom activity escalated to the murder of a pensioner during a live stream, showing the extreme dangers these networks can present.
These stories highlight how digital extremism exploits anonymity, trust, and peer pressure, creating a worldwide threat that remains largely invisible to adults.
Inside the Podcast: Expert Analysis and Personal Stories
Jo Palmer combines investigative journalism with first-hand accounts, giving listeners a deep understanding of how these networks operate.
The series includes:
Exclusive interviews with former members and victims.
Expert commentary from psychologists, law enforcement, and child protection specialists.
In-depth storytelling following Cameron and families affected by the network.
Palmer emphasizes the human dimension of these crimes:
“We’re not just talking about fringe extremism; we’re talking about real teenagers, real families, and a threat that’s growing behind the closed doors of teenagers’ bedrooms.”
Warning Signs Parents Should Know
Experts featured in the podcast highlight key indicators that a teenager may be at risk:
Excessive secrecy online or sudden withdrawal from friends and family.
Obsession with occult or extreme content, including chatrooms or live streams.
Behavioral changes, including self-harm, sleep disruption, or aggression.
Unexplained financial transactions or use of unmonitored devices.
Preventive measures include:
Open dialogue: Encourage children to speak about online interactions without fear of judgment.
Digital literacy education: Teach teens to recognize manipulation, grooming, and coercion tactics.
Monitoring tools: Use privacy-respecting parental control apps to identify risky behavior.
Rapid reporting: Alert authorities immediately if suspicious activity is suspected.
Why This Podcast Matters in 2025
The rise of online communities promoting harmful ideologies is not limited to niche groups—it is a global public safety concern. Assume Nothing aims to:
Educate parents about the hidden dangers teenagers face online.
Examine the psychological and social tactics used to manipulate youth.
Highlight the urgent need for digital safety policies and awareness campaigns.
By following Cameron’s story and others, listeners gain insight into a growing threat that affects families worldwide, reinforcing the importance of vigilance, education, and communication.
Where to Listen
“Assume Nothing: Creation of a Teenage Satanist” launches today, Thursday, 23 October 2025, and is available exclusively on BBC Sounds. Content Advisory: The series contains sensitive material and is not suitable for children.
