It's not that deep, is it?
Technology plays a part in all our lives. It helps us to connect with friends, learn, game, create and share. However, not everyone online is friendly.
Some people use technology to manipulate, threaten or take advantage of others. Knowing what to look out for can help you stay safe and protect yourself and your friends.
What is tech-enabled abuse?
Tech-enabled abuse is when someone uses phones, apps, social media, gaming platforms or other technology to harm, pressure or control someone else. It is a form of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).
It is that deep.
It is also a crime.
Examples of tech-enabled abuse can include:
Sextortion
Someone may trick you into sharing an intimate image or video and then threaten to share it unless you send money, more images or do something they want.
Online Grooming
A person may pretend to be your friend, or someone your age to gain your trust before trying to exploit, manipulate or abuse you.
Cyberstalking
Repeated messages, unwanted contact, tracking your online activity or monitoring where you are can be forms of cyberstalking.
Deepfakes
Artificial intelligence can be used to create fake images, videos or audio that appear real. These can be used to embarrass, bully or exploit people online.
Sharing Intimate Images
Sharing or forwarding intimate images of someone without their consent can cause serious harm and may be a criminal offence.
We want to shine a light on this often‑hidden form of abuse, helping young people to recognise when digital behaviour crosses a line, and know that support is available.
Think you'd know when something isn't right online?
Sometimes it can be difficult to tell when online behaviour crosses the line.
This short film follows a realistic scenario that you could encounter online. As you watch, think about the choices being made, how the situation develops and whether there are any warning signs that should raise concern.
Could you spot the red flags?
Watch the video and see what you think...
Trust your instincts
Remember, if something feels wrong, uncomfortable or unsafe, it's important to trust your instincts and speak to someone you trust.
You should never feel pressured to:
- Share personal information
- Send intimate images
- Keep secrets from trusted adults
- Meet someone you've only spoken to online
- Continue a conversation that makes you uncomfortable
Would you spot the red flags?
Not all harmful behaviour online is obvious.
Sometimes things that seem harmless, funny or "not that deep" can actually leave someone feeling uncomfortable, pressured or unsafe.
In this video, you'll see a realistic online scenario and hear young people's reactions to what happened. As you watch, think about the choices being made and whether there are any warning signs you would be concerned about.
What would you do? Would you spot the red flags?
What to do if something happens
If you're worried about something online:
- Stop communicating with the person
- Block and report the account
- Take screenshots or save evidence where possible
- Tell a parent, carer, teacher or another trusted adult
- Report it to the police if you feel unsafe or someone is threatening you
Remember
If someone has manipulated, pressured or tricked you online, it’s not your fault.
Support is available, and speaking up can help protect both you and others from harm.
If you're concerned about online abuse or exploitation, talk to a trusted adult or report it to the police.
Report it and get support
Is it an emergency?
Call 999 in emergency situations like these:
- there is an immediate danger to life
- someone is using violence or is threatening to be violent
- a crime is happening right now, like a house burglary or a theft
- the suspect is still at the scene
If it's not an emergency
If you’ve witnessed or been the victim of crime that isn't an emergency, please report it online here.
Report online
You can also report to Merseyside online on:
Fearless is the dedicated youth service from independent charity Crimestoppers, it provides young people with the opportunity to give information about crime 100% anonymously.
Fearless empowers young people to speak up about crime by
- Promoting our unique service to speak up about crime 100% anonymously
- Raising awareness of what constitutes a crime
- Breaking down the barriers to reporting crime
You can call Fearless on 0800 555 111
You can also report to Fearless online
Young Persons Advisory Service (YPAS) is a Liverpool-based charity providing free, confidential mental health and emotional wellbeing support to children and young people aged 5–25, as well as support for parents, carers and families.
Kooth offers free, safe and anonymous digital mental health support to all young people aged 11-25 across Merseyside.
You can contact Childline about anything. Whatever your worry, it's better out than in. We're here to support you.
There are lots of different ways to speak to a Childline counsellor or get support from other young people.
Call for free on 0800 1111
The National Crime Agency (NCA) CEOP Command (formerly the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre) works with child protection partners across the UK and overseas to identify the main threats to children and coorindates activity against these threats to bring offenders to account.
They protect children from harm online and offline.
They can help with advice and support.