As young people spend more time socialising and making new connections online, it is important for parents, carers, and young people to be aware of the risks associated with online relationships and sextortion. Sextortion is a form of online blackmail where offenders trick, manipulate or coerce someone into sharing intimate images or videos and then threaten to share them unless demands are met, often for money or further images. Young people can be particularly vulnerable to this type of exploitation. The National Crime Agency (NCA)'s CEOP Education team provides advice and resources to help protect children and young people from online sexual abuse. Warning signs to look out for: - A young person becoming secretive about their online activity.
- Receiving messages from someone they have never met in person.
- Being pressured to send personal information, photos or videos.
- Sudden anxiety, distress, or withdrawal after using social media or gaming platforms.
- Requests to move conversations onto private messaging apps.
- Individuals encouraging young people to meet in person after only speaking online.
Staying Safe: ✅ Think carefully before sharing personal information, images or videos online.
✅ Remember that people online may not be who they claim to be.
✅ Never feel pressured into sending photographs or videos.
✅ Talk to a trusted adult if something online makes you feel uncomfortable.
✅ Report suspicious behaviour and block anyone who is making unwanted contact. If a young person is worried about online sexual abuse, exploitation, or blackmail, they can report it directly to CEOP and access support. 🔗 CEOP Education: https://www.ceopeducation.co.uk/ [ceopeducation.co.uk] 🔗 Report concerns to CEOP:https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/ Remember: If something doesn't feel right online, stop the conversation, block the individual, and tell a trusted adult. If there is an immediate risk of harm, contact police on 999. #OnlineSafety #SextortionAwareness #ProtectingYoungPeople #CEOP #StaySafeOnline | 
