Spotlight on Safeguarding

Sextortion can affect anyone, but children and teenagers are frequently targeted because they may be perceived as being more easily manipulated.

How Sextortion Works:

1. Initial contact: The predator will contact the victim through social media, gaming platforms, or messaging apps, sometimes posing as someone their age or someone they know or have mutual connections with.
2. Building trust: The perpetrator builds trust through conversation, compliments, and manipulation.
3. Obtaining explicit material: The predator may convince the victim to send explicit photos or videos, often by sharing fake images of themselves first.
4. Blackmail: Once the predator has compromising material, they may demand money, threatening to share the material with friends and family.
5. Artificial Intelligence: The use of AI has significantly increased the risks of sextortion for children by making it easier for perpetrators to create realistic fake identities, manipulate content, and exploit vulnerabilities. AI can generate deepfake images or videos that appear to show the victim, even if they’ve never shared explicit material of this kind.

Warning Signs of Sextortion:

Parents should be alert to changes in their child’s behaviour that may indicate they are being targeted for sextortion. Key warning signs include:

• Increased anxiety, depression, or withdrawal from family and friends.
• Reluctance to use devices or secrecy surrounding online activity.
• Sudden requests for money or attempts to conceal financial transactions.

Recognising these behaviours early can help parents intervene and provide the necessary support to protect their child.

What to Do If Your Child Is a Victim of Sextortion

If your child becomes a victim of sextortion, it’s crucial to handle the situation with care and understanding.

1. Reassure your child: Start by reassuring your child that they are not to blame and that you are there to support them unconditionally.

2. Avoid complying with demands: Do not comply with any demands or threats. Instead, focus on documenting the situation by saving any messages, images, or evidence related to the incident.

3. Report to the police: Report the situation to the police, who are experienced in handling these cases and are there to help, not to judge.

4. Emotional support: Your child may feel anxious or ashamed, so remind them that they are not alone and that seeking help is the right step. Encourage open communication, and if necessary, consider professional support to help address their emotional well-being.

5. Inform school staff: It is important to let pastoral staff at school know about the situation. They will be able to support your child while they are at school.

6. Report and remove content: You can also report the image to Childline, who can help remove any images that have been made public. You can do this here:
   

Self-harm is a complex and sensitive issue that affects many young people, often serving as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions or distressing situations. While it can be difficult for parents to confront, understanding self-harm is a crucial step toward providing support and fostering healing. It’s important to recognize that self-harm is not a sign of weakness or attention-seeking, but rather a signal that a child is struggling and needs help.

Social media has become a powerful influence on the lives of young people, shaping how they connect, express themselves, and view the world. While it can foster positive relationships and provide a sense of community, it also poses risks, especially for those struggling with mental health.

Exposure to harmful content, such as graphic images of self-harm or portrayals of perfection, can increase feelings of inadequacy, isolation, or distress. It’s important to engage with children about their online experiences and help them navigate digital spaces safely and with resilience.

Twickenham School

Percy Road

Twickenham

TW2 6JW

0208 894 4503