In 2023, we launched Shore, a unique online resource for teenagers worried about their own or someone else’s sexual thoughts, feelings or behaviour. Shore offers evidence-based information, self-help resources, and one-to-one support through live chat and secure email on issues including harmful sexual behaviour, consent, online risks, the law, and concerns about friends.
This paper analyses conversations between young people and Shore advisors during the service’s first seven months, between July 2023 and January 2024.
This provides a rare insight into the experiences of young people seeking help at an early stage, often before any contact with professionals or statutory services. We help them take action to manage their behaviour and prevent sexual harm.
From our findings, the importance of anonymity stood out. Young people told us that the confidential support allowed them to ask difficult questions, reflect honestly, and begin considering change.
Young people will seek help when support is designed around their needs. Understanding those needs is essential if we are to strengthen our response to harmful sexual behaviour and better protect children from harm.
Shore is meeting a need and plays an important role within a wider prevention and safeguarding system. By providing accessible, anonymous support at an early stage, it’s providing opportunities for young people to seek help before behaviour escalates.
Over the past 17 years, our work in Wales has been protecting children from sexual abuse. Using a public health model of prevention, the team has demonstrated tangible impact and engaged with thousands of professionals, parents, families, and young people to raise awareness, build protective networks, and intervene before harm escalates.
This Paper explores key trends from 23 years of the Lucy Faithfull Foundation’s Stop It Now helpline. This pioneering anonymous service exists to prevent child sexual abuse. Since 2002, we’ve given more than 79,000 people confidential support and expert guidance.
Technological interventions can deter people online from causing harm to children. From simple warning messages to behaviour-challenging chatbots, we are working on a range of initiatives to make life online safer for young
