Plusnet Plays on the Internet:

What’s in this pack?

In addition to the script of the play, you’ll find workshop activities that you can do with students to help them engage and understand the meaning and importance of navigating grooming behaviours online. These resources include:

• Information on what grooming is;
• Workshop activities to warm up and better understand online grooming;
• The play, including a cast of characters.

Play synopsis

It’s the year 2090 and space travel is a new way of life, with many missions in progress to discover life away from Earth. While the minds of the population might be on other planets, the risks of talking to strangers online can be much closer to home than it seems.

How to tackle online grooming

As children continue to find new ways to connect with each other on a range of devices and platforms, it is increasingly important to help them make smarter and safer choices online. Think about who they talk to and what they share online, especially with an increase of groomers online.

Preventing children coming to harm

• Recognise the signs: Recognising the signs of online grooming can be hard because it can happen at home and groomers  often tell children not to talk to anyone about it.
• Talk about it: Although it can be a tricky subject to talk about with your child, it is important that you start a conversation with them.
• Use available tools: Encourage them to make use of privacy settings on the social networks and platforms they  use so they stay in control of who can see their content

What to do if a child is groomed

If you are concerned that your child is being targeted by an online groomer here are a few actions you can take to protect your child:

• Report any sexual abuse images to the Internet Watch Foundation.
• Report it to the authorities.
• Reassure your child that it’s not their fault.
• Seek support from the National Crime Agency’s CEOP command for support.
• Contact Childline – 0800 1111 or the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 for support.

Download full play and resources

Supporting resources