Emergency Online Safety Action Plan

This is one of the most important lessons in this course.

If you are reading this because something serious has happened online, stop for a moment.

Take a breath.

You are safe right now.

You are not alone.

You are not in trouble.

Online threats such as sextortion, blackmail, grooming, hacking, deepfake abuse, manipulation, or harassment are real risks.

They happen to young people every day.

And there is always a safe way forward.

This lesson gives you calm, clear, step by step actions to help protect yourself if something serious happens online.

First: This Is Not Your Fault

Before anything else, understand this clearly.

You are not to blame.

You are not stupid.

You are not weak.

You are not in trouble.

You are not responsible for someone else’s behaviour.

People who target young people online often rely on:

• Fear

• Shame

• Panic

• Silence

The moment you tell someone safe, their power begins to shrink.

What Counts as a Serious Online Situation?

Use this action plan if someone:

• Threatens to share photos of you

• Pressures you for sexual content

• Demands money or gift cards

• Blackmails or manipulates you

• Threatens to contact your school or family

• Uses a deepfake involving you

• Hacks your account

• Spreads harmful rumours

• Tries to meet you offline

• Makes you feel scared, trapped, or unsafe

If something online makes you feel anxious, pressured, frightened, or trapped, it matters.

You deserve support.

The Three Golden Rules

Golden Rule 1: Stop Responding

Do not reply again.

Do not argue.

Do not apologise.

Do not explain.

Do not threaten back.

Do not negotiate.

Most harmful people want reactions.

Silence removes some of their control.

Golden Rule 2: Do Not Send Anything

Do not send:

• More photos

• More videos

• Money

• Gift cards

• Passwords

• Verification codes

• Personal information

• School or family details

Even if they promise to stop.

People who pressure young people rarely stop after getting what they want.

Giving more usually increases pressure.

Golden Rule 3: Remember This Is Not Your Fault

Unsafe people are often skilled at manipulation.

They may:

• Pretend to be your age

• Use fake photos

• Steal identities

• Act caring or supportive

• Move conversations quickly

• Create urgency or fear

Their behaviour is the problem.

Not yours.

Step by Step: What To Do Now

Follow these steps calmly.

You do not need to do everything perfectly.

Just take one step at a time.

Step 1: Pause and Breathe

Take a slow breath.

Then another.

You are safe right now.

This situation can be handled.

Panic makes problems feel bigger.

Calm thinking protects you.

Step 2: Do Not Delete Messages

Do not delete:

• Chats

• Usernames

• Threats

• Images

• Messages

• Payment requests

Even if you feel embarrassed.

This evidence may help protect you.

Step 3: Screenshot Everything

Take screenshots of:

• Usernames

• Profiles

• Threats

• Requests

• Payment demands

• Images

• Attempts to move you to another app

Save them somewhere safe.

Evidence matters.

Step 4: Block the Person

After saving evidence:

Block the account.

Block any new accounts they create.

Block them everywhere possible.

Many unsafe people lose interest when they lose access.

Step 5: Step Away From Your Device

Put your phone down for a few minutes.

Take a short break.

Drink water.

Take a breath.

This is not avoiding the problem.

It is helping your brain calm down.

Clear thinking matters.

Step 6: Tell a Trusted Adult

This is the most important step.

Tell someone safe.

Examples include:

• A parent or guardian

• A teacher

• A school counsellor

• A trusted relative

• Another trusted adult

You could simply say:

“I need help. Someone is threatening me online.”

“I feel unsafe.”

“I think someone is blackmailing me.”

Adults care about your safety.

You are not in trouble for asking for help.

If You Feel Scared To Tell Parents

Sometimes young people worry adults will be angry.

If that feels difficult, tell another trusted adult first.

For example:

• A teacher

• School safeguarding staff

• A relative

• A counsellor

Safe adults help protect you.

Silence protects the wrong person.

Speaking protects you.

Step 7: Report the Account

Report:

• The profile

• Harmful messages

• Threats

• Images if necessary

Most platforms take abuse involving young people seriously.

Reporting also helps protect others.

Step 8: Never Pay Money

If someone demands money:

Do not pay.

Paying rarely solves the problem.

It often increases pressure.

Step 9: If You Sent Something Personal

If you shared a photo, video, or private message you regret:

Take a breath.

You are not bad.

You are not stupid.

You are not the criminal.

Many young people experience situations like this.

Help is available.

Tell a trusted adult immediately.

The earlier support begins, the better.

Step 10: Contact Authorities When Needed

Police or safeguarding services may need to help if:

• Someone threatens sexual images

• Someone pressures you for sexual content

• Someone tries to meet you offline

• Deepfake abuse happens

• Blackmail continues

• Threats continue after blocking

These situations are serious.

And young people are protected by law.

Specific Situations

If You Are Facing Sextortion

• Stop responding

• Save evidence

• Block immediately

• Tell a trusted adult

• Report the account

Most offenders rely on fear.

Once adults become involved, their power often reduces quickly.

If Someone Uses a Deepfake of You

• Screenshot it

• Report the content

• Block the person

• Tell a trusted adult

• Tell school staff if students are involved

Deepfake abuse involving young people is extremely serious.

If Someone Tries To Meet You

Treat this as urgent.

• Stop responding

• Save evidence

• Block them

• Tell a trusted adult immediately

Never meet someone you only know online.

If Your Account Gets Hacked

• Change passwords immediately

• Turn on two factor authentication

• Check recovery settings

• Tell trusted adults

• Warn friends not to trust strange messages

If You Feel Ashamed or Scared

Feeling embarrassed or frightened is normal.

But remember:

• You are not alone

• You are not weak

• You are not to blame

• You deserve support

Fear grows in silence.

It shrinks when shared.

How Schools Can Help

Schools may be able to:

• Investigate bullying

• Offer emotional support

• Help protect you

• Contact parents safely

• Manage harmful behaviour between students

You are not in trouble for being targeted.

Why Unsafe People Often Move On

Many people who target young people:

• Contact many people at once

• Depend on panic

• Give up after being blocked

• Avoid situations involving adults

The moment trusted adults become involved, control often weakens.

Your Quick Emergency Checklist

If something serious happens online:

• Stop responding

• Save evidence

• Screenshot everything

• Block the person

• Report the account

• Tell a trusted adult

• Get extra help if threats continue

Final Message

Being targeted online does not define who you are.

You deserve:

• Safety

• Respect

• Privacy

• Support

• Protection

The moment you ask for help is the moment things begin to improve.

You are never alone.

And there is always a safe way forward.