Taylor researches intensively the best ways that Charlie can help their situation and discovers that one of the best ways to help combat online blackmail is to inform the relevant authorities and not to pay the ransom. Taylor encourages Charlie to speak to Ms Carthy, the school counsellor.
Ms Carthy reassures Charlie that they did the right thing by coming forward and explains the steps to handle the situation:
1) Do not engage with the blackmailer further.
2) Document all communications with the blackmailer (screenshots, messages, etc.).
3) Report the incident to the platform where the blackmail occurred.
4) Contact local authorities to report the crime.
5) Seek support from friends, family, and mental health professionals.
Ms Carthy helps Charlie by giving him the number to the confidential police helpline for online blackmail victims.
