The Daniel Morcombe Foundation has released two new online safety resources for students in Years 7–9, addressing the growing risks of sextortion and AI-facilitated image-based abuse, known as deepfakes.
Launched to coincide with Safer Internet Day on 10 February, the short films explain how image-based abuse can occur, the impact it can have, and where young people can seek help. The materials reinforce the message that victim-survivors are never to blame.
Built around the foundation’s key safety messages – Recognise, React and Report – the resources aim to help students identify image-based abuse, respond with confidence and self-compassion, and access safe, confidential support.
The release follows national data showing the scale of the issue. Research indicates one in ten young people will experience sextortion, while reports of AI-facilitated image-based abuse have doubled, with women and girls disproportionately targeted.
“Sextortion and image-based abuse often follow a recognisable pattern,” said Professor Nicola Henry, Professor of Criminology at RMIT University. “First, they make you feel special – like you can trust them. Then they make you feel like you don’t want to tell anyone about them. The conversations often become sexual or deeply personal very quickly. Then things change – fast.”
The resources were developed in collaboration with young people, educators, subject-matter experts and national partners, including the eSafety Commissioner, Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation, Kids Helpline, Bravehearts and NAPCAN. Young people and victim-survivors were consulted throughout scripting and production to ensure the films are respectful, realistic and address barriers to help-seeking.
Designed for classroom delivery, the materials include companion guides for educators, parents and caregivers, and young people, enabling conversations to continue beyond the classroom.
The foundation said changes to how young people access social media do not eliminate online risks. Image-based abuse and sextortion can still occur across gaming platforms, messaging apps, group chats, file-sharing tools and AI image generators. By focusing on behaviours, power dynamics and help-seeking, the resources aim to remain relevant as technologies evolve.
“These films aren’t just educational tools; they’re invitations to reflect, to question, and to reclaim autonomy and power,” a Daniel Morcombe Foundation young advisor said.
The new resources are available via the Daniel Morcombe Foundation’s Adolescent Hub, alongside supporting guides for schools, families and young people.
