Are there any victims of fake social media profile blackmail in your school? CEOP

[RTay]

Hi all,

 

I was sent this email and think it was written by CEOP. It may be useful for your school if you haven't seen it already. Rich.

 

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On Monday 7 December, Channel 4 will broadcast the first of two documentaries examining the work of the National Crime Agency, including the CEOP Command.

The first episode Hunting the Paedophiles - Inside the National Crime Agency follows Operation Perdition, an investigation led by the CEOP Command into the online blackmail and sexual abuse of boys by offenders using fake social media profiles. Law enforcement agencies identified and supported hundreds of victims in the UK.

 

All the victims known to the CEOP Command have been identified and safeguarded, but it is possible that there are some victims who have not yet told anyone about what has happened. Watching the documentary may prompt them, or others who have been a victim of child sexual abuse, to make a disclosure.

As a result, you may be approached by colleagues seeking help in supporting distressed children and families. Others may ask you for help around delivering preventative online safety education. You could also be the direct recipient of a disclosure yourself.

 

There are a number of ways in which you can support anyone affected by the programme:

· In case of a disclosure, follow your setting's safeguarding policy. Remember that any member of the public can report direct to CEOP by using the 'Report Abuse' button at www.ceop.police.uk/click-ceop.

 

• Ensure that young people in your setting know that if they are worried about anything that has happened online, it is not their fault and they should seek help. Help them identify a trusted adult and make sure they know who to talk to in your organisation. Encourage them to visit www.thinkuknow.co.uk, ensure they know how to use the CEOP 'Report Abuse' button, and remind them that they can call ChildLine in confidence on 0800 1111.
  

 

· To deliver a session for young people on staying safe from online blackmail and abuse, download the Thinkuknow 'Webcam with Confidence' pack. This suite of resources was developed in response to the offences detailed in Monday's programme, and includes:

o A fully scripted presentation for use as an assembly or lesson

o A factsheet to handout to young people

o A letter to send or email to parents encouraging them to talk to their children

The pack can be downloaded from the Thinkuknow resources area at: www.thinkuknow.co.uk/teachers/resources. You will find it under the '11-16' tab.

In responding to concerns from parents and carers, signpost them to the new Thinkuknow Parents and Carers website at www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents. The site contains a wealth of information, guidance and support for worried parents. Note that there is specific guidance for anyone who fears that their child has been a victim of online sexual exploitation or abuse here [www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/article-repository/If-you-find-out-your-child-has-been-sexually-abused-or-exploited/]

· The NSPCC helpline (0808 800 5000) is available at any time to victims and those offering support (including those supporting victims of historic abuse).

Please remember to seek support yourself whenever necessary whilst working in this difficult and sensitive field.