Online Blackmail and Sextortion Workshop
Online Blackmail and Sextortion is a growing problem for young people, and it can only take one mistake to place a child, teenager or young adult in serious danger.
The sooner young people understand the risks, and learn practical skills to protect themselves, the safer they will be.
Join teachers and other young people’s service providers from across the UK in booking a 2020 Dreams Online Blackmail and Sextortion workshop.
Types of online blackmail and sextortion
Online blackmail and sextortion has many faces. Some perpetrators use social media platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat or Instagram to deceive young people into believing they are connecting with a peer. They will often use fake identities (catfishing), and play pre-recorded videos featuring progressively explicit images.
Once the young person crosses a threshold (sends a nude, films themselves in a sexualised pose, etc.) the perpetrator can then blackmail them by threatening to share or report their content.
Online grooming has a similar agenda, but usually involves a gradual build-up of trust between an adult and a child or teenager.
Then there are automated ‘webcam blackmail’ schemes that aim to convince the victim that they have been covertly filmed viewing adult content and demanding payment, usually in BitCoin, by a certain deadline.
In all cases of blackmail, the advice is clear:
- Don’t pay. Payment only marks you out as a gullible target and will almost certainly lead to further demands.
- Don’t engage. A blackmailer often has less power to cause harm than they want you to believe. In some cases (e.g. webcam blackmail), the perpetrator is reliant on the target believing the lie and responding to their threats.
- Document all communication. This is important should the case ever go to court. Take screenshots (but never share sexual images or videos)
- Get support. Tell someone you trust, like a friend or family member, what has happened. This will often make the situation seem less frightening and more manageable.
Depending on the nature of the blackmail, it may also be wise for the young person to secure their social media and/or email accounts by changing passwords, adding extra authentication, etc.
They may also need to report the threat to the social media platform, email provider or internet service provider.
As with all online harms, the best cure of all is prevention. That’s why we are urging schools, colleges, institutions and youth groups to book an Online Blackmail and Sextortion Workshop as soon as possible. Because one mistake can be all it takes.
2020 Dreams Online Blackmail and Sextortion Workshops
2020 Dreams Online Blackmail and Sextortion workshops are designed to connect with young people using proven engagement strategies.
Our priority is to create a safe and supportive environment so that all participants feel comfortable. We then use a combination of practical activities and information delivery to keep them stimulated.
As part of the workshop, students will take part in scenario-based role plays. These age-appropriate scenarios will encourage children and teens to explore the best response to a hypothetical threat. For example, they may be asked to decide whether to pay someone who is blackmailing them online.
Student-led open debate forums are another powerful tool our skilled facilitators use. This is a great way for young people to share experiences, receive peer support and develop their own protective strategies.
Should any students have specific concerns, they will be directed to trustworthy resources for accessing support.
2020 Dreams have a proud record of delivering high quality, customisable workshops throughout the UK. We can also deliver training packages and consultations.
To find out more, or to make a booking, please email our friendly team on hello@2020dreams.org.uk, or call 0800 471 4983
You may also like…
