Online Harm

What is online harm?

Resources

Presentations,
Lesson Plans, Videos and Worksheets.

Examples of online harm include

  • Hacking: Unauthorized access to someone’s computer, network, or online accounts to steal, manipulate, or destroy data.
  • Cyberbullying and Harassment: Repeatedly sending hurtful, threatening, or abusive messages to someone through social media, messaging apps, or email.
  • Doxxing: Publicly sharing private information about someone (like their home address or phone number) online without their consent.
  • Trolling: Posting inflammatory or off-topic messages online to provoke emotional responses or disrupt discussions.
  • Sextortion: Threatening to share someone’s private or intimate photos or videos unless they comply with certain demands, such as sending more explicit content or paying money.
  • Sending/owning sexual images: Having sexual images of yourself or someone else under the age of 18 is illegal.
  • Upskirting: Upskirting is when someone secretly takes a photo or video up another person’s skirt, dress, or shorts without their permission and is a form of sexual harassment and abuse.
  • Online Scams and Fraud: Deceptive schemes to steal money, information, or goods from people online.

Staying safe online

  • Protect Personal Information: Be cautious about what you share online and with whom. Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication on accounts.
  • Recognize Scams and Report Suspicious Activity: Be aware of suspicious messages, links, or requests for personal information. Report and block any users who make you feel uncomfortable or seem untrustworthy.
  • Seek Help: If you or someone you know is a victim of digital crime, talk to a trusted adult, teacher, or report it to local authorities or organizations that specialize in online safety.

Get help

Young people under 18 who are worried that a sexual image or video of them may have been shared online can use Childline and IWF’s Report Remove tool.

This allows you to report an image or video shared online, to see if it is possible to get it removed.

For more information and to get help:

NSPCC www.nspcc.org.uk 

Childline www.childline.org.uk 

Resources

Resources coming soon

Interactive Presentation (PowerPoint containing films)

1. About the different types of online harm
2. Attacks to get your personal information
3. Attacks and harassment against your body
4. How to avoid committing or being a victim of online harm

Lesson plan notes

A summary of the content, timing guidance and activities included in the Interactive Presentation.

Helping children & young people stay safe
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Get help

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger please dial 999.

If you need help and advice call childline 0800 1111 or text the missing persons helpline 116 000.

If you have concerns about a young person who might be at risk or someone you suspect is an offender call your local police on 101 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.