Media Release
Embargoed until 10 February 2026
The Daniel Morcombe Foundation is proud to introduce two new online safety resources for students in Years 7–9, responding to the growing reality of sextortion and AI-facilitated image-based abuse (deepfakes).
Launched to coincide with Safer Internet Day, the short films explain how image-based abuse can occur, the impact it can have and where young people can seek help - reinforcing that victim-survivors are never to blame.
Built around the Foundation’s key safety messages; Recognise, React and Report, the resources support young people to:
• Recognise what image-based abuse is and how it can occur
• React to these experiences with confidence and self-compassion
• Report concerns and access safe, confidential support
The release comes amid growing evidence about the prevalence of image-based abuse affecting Australian teenagers. National research indicates that one in ten young people will experience sextortion, while recent data shows 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 and a leading expert on image-based abuse. “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 alongside young people, educators, subject-matter experts and national partners - including eSafety, ACCCE, Kids Helpline, Bravehearts and NAPCAN. Young people and victim-survivors were consulted throughout scripting and production to ensure the films are respectful, realistic and designed to address barriers to help-seeking.
Developed with classroom delivery in mind, the resources provide educators with practical tools to support learning about online harm. Companion guides for educators, parents and caregivers, and young people extend these conversations beyond the classroom, helping families and schools navigate these issues together.
Recent changes to how young people access social media do not eliminate online risk. 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 equip students with skills that 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,” said a DMF Young Advisor.
The new resources are now available via the Daniel Morcombe Foundation’s Adolescent Hub, alongside supporting guides for schools, families and young people.
Contact Information:
Kira Wilson
Daniel Morcombe Foundation
Phone: 0493 448 675
Email: [email protected]
Media Opportunity
Bruce & Denise Morcombe
Date: Tuesday, 10 February 2026
Time: 10:00am – 10:30am
Daniel House (7 Koorawatha Ln, Palmwoods QLD 4555)
Sources
Australian Institute of Criminology (2025), Sexual extortion of Australian adolescents: Results from a national survey https://www.aic.gov.au/publications/tandi/tandi712
eSafety Commissioner (2025), eSafety urges schools to report deepfakes as numbers double https://www.esafety.gov.au/newsroom/media-releases/esafety-urges-schools-to-report-deepfakes-as-numbers-double
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