Don't be sextorted

Your digital footprint can be permanent. Share safely and know that help is available if you need it.

Video transcript

Speaker 1

Unlike his footsteps in the sand, Jack learned the hard way his digital footprint is forever. He shared one photo with a stranger he thought he could trust, but he couldn't, and they used against him. Always be sure before you share and keep your. private content private. If you're worried, talk to a trusted friend or family member.

Speaker 2

If you or someone you know has had intimate content shared without consent, there is support available. First stop all contact. Then if you're under 18, the best way to get help is to report it to the ACCCE at accce.gov.au. Or if you're over 18, you can report it to esafety.gov.au. 

Students and teachers can watch the video and know where to get help.

Teachers can also use the video as a prompt to initiate classroom discussion. 

Sexual extortion, also known as sextortion, is a form of online blackmail where someone tricks or coerces you into sending sexual images of yourself and then threatens to share the images unless you comply with their demands. Usually, these demands are for more images, payment or sexual favours. 

What to do?

If you are a victim, do not blame yourself. Seek the help of special investigators in Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE). 

  • Do not stop the chat
  • Take screenshots of text and profile
  • Block the account and report to the platform
  • Report to ACCCE.

What not to do?

  • Do not send more images
  • Do not pay the ransom
  • Do not respond to demands
  • Do not communicate

How to avoid?

When talking to new people online be wary of:

  • unsolicited friend or follow requests or random adds from people you don’t know
  • sudden sexualised questions or conversation
  • instantly receiving sexual images from a fake profile who asks for the same from you
  • getting a direct message on one app, then being asked to continue chatting on a different app
  • signs that English may be a second language
  • the fake profile might say that their webcam and/or microphone are not working
  • the fake promises to delete your content.

Support for parents and carers

Schools can advise and direct parents with the Protecting children from sexual abuse onlineresources from the eSafety Commissioner.

 

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