This week the National Crime AgencyA UK national law enforcement agency. It targets organised crime, trafficking, cybercrime and economic crime. (NCA) has issued a new alert to teachers all over the country about "sextortion". This is where criminals persuade their victim to send them nude pictures. They then blackmailDemanding payment (or another action) from someone in return for not revealing damaging information about them. them into paying to have the images deleted.

Cases of this crime rose by 257% last year. Men make up 91% of the victims in these cases, and the criminals are especially likely to target teenage boys.

The targets are often scared that their lives will be ruined.

Which is why the governmentThe group of people who govern - or lead - the country. is stressing that being the victim of sextortion is not the end of your world. Everyone makes mistakes. There is no shame in being taken in.

The important thing to remember, according to the NCA, is: do not pay what they are asking for. Just block them. Do not delete anything. And report it to the police. They will be able to help you.

Is social media a curse?

Yes! Social media puts us in danger of scams like sextortion. It threatens our mental health and distracts us from the many joys of the world outside our phones.

No! Scammers will always try to find new ways to target people. But we should not forget all of the ways that social media has made our lives better too.

National Crime Agency - A UK national law enforcement agency. It targets organised crime, trafficking, cybercrime and economic crime.

Blackmail - Demanding payment (or another action) from someone in return for not revealing damaging information about them.

Government - The group of people who govern - or lead - the country.