Help4U: A new EU platform provides vital support to children who are victims of online abuse

The online world can be overwhelming for many parents. It’s hard to give your children freedom while trying to keep them safe – especially if you’re living abroad. A new EU platform Help4ULaunched by Europol and CENTRICIt aims to alleviate some of the worry that children and adolescents feel by providing a trusted, confidential place to turn to when faced with online sexual abuse.

What Help4U can offer families

Europol Help4U is described as “simple and private”, so that any person under the age of 18 can find support or advice quickly. It gives parents reassurance, knowing that their child can contact them if anything goes wrong.

Help4U includes:

• Written for youth, this information is easy to understand
• Find local services, read online guidance or chat online
• Sections of support for parents, teachers and professionals
• Children who don’t want to speak to anyone face to face can use a private area.
• Direct access to specialists in Europe.

Babak Akhgar is the Director of CENTRIC. He said that this platform puts “young people’s safety, privacy, and trust” at its core. This ensures children feel heard and safe when it counts most.

Children who are unsure or scared can reach out to a safety line

The feeling is familiar to most parents: the moment you start to wonder what’s going on behind that screen. Europol has noted that young people are often reluctant to speak out when things go wrong. Many young people are embarrassed, scared, or don’t know where to turn. They usually look online for help as the first option.

Help4U was designed for this exact moment. It is designed to cut through the confusion and inform young people in a clear and simple language what’s happening and what can be done next. It also gives parents a reliable, unified EU resource – something especially valuable for expat families adjusting to new systems and languages.

Safety efforts across Europe must be coordinated

Help4U started as a pilot project in Belgium, Germany and Ireland. It then expanded to 15 countries including Spain. Additional countries are expected in 2026.

It was designed by experts in psychology, education and technology. Experts from law enforcement, data protection, and the police also contributed. By coordinating child safety information across national borders, the EU hopes to make it easier for families to get support, no matter where they live.

Help4U can be used by both children and parents

The support style can be chosen by the young person that makes them feel safe.

• Read the advice privately
• Online Question and Answer Service
• Find local support services
• If they are uncomfortable, feel pressured, or have their images shared, get clear explanations of what to say.

Parents can also use the platform to understand what their child may be experiencing — and learn the right steps to take if something has gone wrong

Help4U’s guidance will expand as more EU countries join and its links with national support systems will be strengthened. Europol and CENTRIC have said they will continue to improve the platform based upon feedback from families and young people.

Help4U offers a consistent, multilingual support tool that works across borders – giving parents greater peace of mind and young people a safe space where they can ask for help in a language they understand and is age-appropriate.

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