Pastoral Care
Navigating Digital Dangers
As digital technology continues to advance, it brings new opportunities and significant challenges for young people. One growing concern is the sharing of inappropriate images, which can have far-reaching and serious consequences, both legally and emotionally. This behaviour not only breaches personal privacy but can also lead to cyberbullying, harassment, and even criminal charges.
We encourage you to engage in open, supportive discussions with your young person about respecting themselves and others online. Help them understand the potential outcomes of their digital actions and reassure them that it’s okay to ask for help if they ever feel pressured or uneasy.
One particularly troubling issue is sexual extortion, or "sextortion," a form of online blackmail. This can occur across various platforms, including social media, messaging apps, and live-streaming services. Offenders may exploit these platforms to manipulate young people into sharing intimate images or videos, which are then used to demand more content, money, or other favours.
These questions can help create an open dialogue, encourage critical thinking, and reassure young people that they can turn to their parents for support:
- ‘Have you ever heard of the term sextortion? What do you think it means?’
- ‘If someone online ever made you feel uncomfortable or pressured you to share something, how do you think you’d respond? Do you know who you could talk to for help?’
- ‘Why do you think some people use the internet to exploit others? What can we do to protect ourselves from that?’
- ‘What would you do if a friend told you they were being blackmailed online?’
- ‘Let’s talk about why it’s important to never give in to pressure to share private content, even if someone threatens or promises something in return.’
- ‘How can we make sure the people we interact with online are trustworthy?’
- ‘If someone you don’t know tried to contact you online, what steps would you take to stay safe?’
Helpful Advice for Parents from Think U Know
If your young person experiences sextortion:
- Document Evidence: Take screenshots to preserve a record of any communications.
- Cut Off Contact: Cease all communication with the perpetrator and block them.
- Report the Incident: If you’re under 18, the best way to get help is to report it to the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE).
- Over 18s - You can report to Report Cyber. If you've reported to the platform/app/site and the platform doesn't help, you can also report to eSafety.
- Or visit your local Police Station with the information, and they can support you.
- For urgent situations, call Triple Zero (000).
Communicate with the College about what has occurred so they can support your young person with any challenges at school.
For more information, please follow the links below:
Think U Know
Kids Helpline - Sextortion
Mrs Krystal Brady - Leader of Pastoral Care