Europol and the Centre of Excellence in Terrorism, Resilience, Intelligence and Organised Crime Research (CENTRIC, a specialist research institute based at Sheffield Hallam University, UK) developed a new digital platform called “Help4U” to support children and teenagers experiencing sexual abuse or online harm. This initiative is based on the fact that young victims often turn to online resources first, particularly when they feel overwhelmed or are not ready to speak to someone in person. Initially piloted in five EU Member States, Help4U has expanded to 15 countries since November 2025, with further growth planned from 2026 onwards.

The platform is designed to be private, accessible, and easy to use. It helps young people understand their rights, access trusted information, and connect with appropriate support services. A key feature is its accessibility-driven design, which allows young users to choose how they engage with support – by reading, chatting, or locating nearby services – and using clear, age-appropriate language. The platform also provides for a prominent “quick exit” button allowing users to leave the platform instantly, ensuring their privacy and safety if they feel threatened or uncomfortable. Available in ten different languages, the platform also serves as a resource for parents, educators, and professionals.

Developed through collaboration across law enforcement, psychology, education, data protection, and academia, Help4U represents a coordinated European approach to strengthening protection against online sexual abuse.