Tonight (Tuesday 26^th) BBC3 will broadcast a new docudrama about the murder of 14-year old Breck Bednar after he was groomed online.

The programme sees Breck’s family and friends recount how Breck was manipulated and isolated by Lewis Daynes, then aged 18, over the course of nine months. Breck was ultimately persuaded to meet Daynes in person at his Essex flat.

Lewis Daynes was sentenced to life in prison and will serve a minimum of 25 years in custody. Further information about the case can be found here.

Young people are likely to be aware of, and watch, this programme. If you wish to take this as an opportunity to discuss the risks of online grooming, CEOP (the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre)  suggest using their short film ‘Tom’s story’ and supporting teaching materials with those aged 11+. These are available to download from the Thinkuknow Resources section.

The BBC has produced a package of teaching resources to accompany the programme. They are intended for pupils aged 14+ and support the PSHE and Citizenship curriculum.

The resources contain three clips from the docudrama and printable teacher notes featuring teaching ideas and key questions. There is also a handout for pupils providing context and background to the story. These will be published on the Murder Games programme page – http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p03cgtx5 – after broadcast.

 
Parents and carers should go to the ‘ThinkUKnow’ Parents site for more information on online grooming and further advice and guidance on keeping their child safe from abuse and exploitation.

Parents and carers are reminded to seek support if they are concerned that their child might be being groomed. They can contact their local police, children’s social care department or report directly to CEOP.

Concerns can also be discussed with someone directly via the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000.

If they believe their child is at immediate risk they should call 999.

 Read more about the programme and case from the BBC Newsbeat site here