Safe Connections
Protecting students from sexual extortion and online harm
An online, self-paced course that helps young people, parents and educators recognise sexual extortion and respond before it escalates.
Built from one family's loss, so other families are protected
This course was created in direct response to the loss of Wayne Houldsworth's son, Mac, to suicide following sexual extortion. Wayne, founder of SmackTalk, has spent the years since turning that loss into a warning other families can act on.
Crime Stoppers International and A Start in Life partnered with Wayne to take his message beyond what he could reach alone, building it into an education tool designed to protect children before harm occurs.
The course puts child protection at the centre, giving young people, parents and educators the knowledge to recognise and respond to sexual extortion before it escalates.
Knowledge that protects, before harm occurs
Recognise it
What sexual extortion is, how it starts and the warning signs to look for.
Avoid it
Practical ways to stay safer online and avoid becoming a target.
Respond to it
Exactly what to do, and who to tell, if someone is targeted.
Created with Wayne Houldsworth, founder of SmackTalk.
Bring Safe Connections to your community
Whether you're an individual, a school, a Crime Stoppers program, a government agency or a community group, fill in the form below and our team will be in touch with next steps.
A$65per learner
If you're under 18, please speak with a trusted adult before registering.
Need help now?
If you or a young person you know is being threatened online, you are not alone and it is not your fault. Stop contact, don't pay, keep the evidence and tell someone you trust.
In an emergency call 000. Outside Australia, contact your local police or Crime Stoppers.
