How a Comic Book is Fighting Sextortion and why you should support this Kickstarter Mission!
In today’s digital age, the threats facing teenagers online have escalated dramatically, with sextortion emerging as a particularly insidious danger.
Every day teenagers share their naked photos with “soulmates” and “bffs” and end up with their private photographs leaked or published on various forums online.
How many parents really have a conversation with their sons or daughters before giving them a cellphone, on the absolute risks of sexting and sharing nudes? How comfortable is a father or a mother in asking their teenagers, if they have recently shared any intimate photographs with strangers or “newly formed friends”?
The Growing Threat of Sextortion
Sextortion is a form of online exploitation where perpetrators use threats to force victims into sending sexual images or engaging in sexual acts. A report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) highlighted a disturbing rise in sextortion cases, with a significant proportion of victims being teenagers. The psychological and emotional toll on victims is severe, often leading to depression, anxiety, and in extreme cases, suicide.
The Comic Book’s Mission
OMG! Like Literally Blackmailed is not just a comic book; it’s an educational tool designed to raise awareness about the dangers of sextortion and provide a relatable resource for teenagers and parents alike. The story follows a high school girl who, in her quest for social media popularity, finds herself ensnared in the dangerous web of sextortion. Through its engaging narrative and vivid illustrations, the comic aims to:
- Educate Teens: By presenting the risks of sexting and online blackmail in a format that resonates with teenagers, the comic seeks to inform them about the potential dangers they face online.
- Empower Parents: The comic provides a platform for parents to initiate conversations with their children about online safety, helping them to understand and mitigate the risks.
- Raise Awareness: Bringing the issue of sextortion to the forefront, the comic aims to shed light on a problem that is often shrouded in secrecy and shame.
Why This Comic and the Educational Kit Matters
The importance of OMG! Like Literally Blackmailed cannot be overstated. Here’s why this project is crucial:
Designed to complement the booklet and guide, this set of 20 flash cards offers quick tips and facts about online safety, making it an ideal tool for quick reference or classroom discussion. Each card addresses a different aspect of online blackmail prevention, providing clear and actionable advice.
- Spot the conversation Trap: This 24-page booklet serves as a guide to identifying potentially dangerous chat patterns that can lead to sextortion. Through interactive content and real-world scenarios, it educates readers on how to recognize manipulative communication and protect themselves from becoming victims of online exploitation.
- A Parents Guide to Preventing Sexting and Sextortion: A vital resource for any parent in the digital age, this 24-page guide provides tools and knowledge to help protect children from sextortion and inappropriate online behavior. It explains the signs of sextortion, the legal implications of sexting, and practical steps for open communication between parents and children.
Why a comic is the best medium?
- Relatable Education: Teenagers are more likely to absorb information presented in a relatable and engaging format. The comic book approach makes a serious topic accessible and understandable.
- Conversation Starter: For many parents, discussing online dangers can be challenging. This comic provides a starting point for these essential conversations.
- Awareness and Action: Raising awareness is the first step toward action. By bringing attention to sextortion, the comic can drive change at both individual and community levels.
Why you must support this:
Supporting OMG! Like Literally Blackmailed on Kickstarter means contributing to a project that has the potential to protect countless teenagers from the devastating effects of sextortion.
Take Action Now
Sextortion is a rapidly rising crime that demands immediate attention. By backing this Kickstarter project, you are not only supporting the creation of a valuable educational resource but also taking a stand against a critical issue affecting today’s youth.
Join the mission to fight sextortion. Visit the Kickstarter page, support OMG! Like Literally Blackmailed, and help make a difference.
Delivering in June 2024!