Katie's story
When Katie was a teenager, spending time on social media was a normal part of life. She was chatting, scrolling, talking with friends. But the day the police knocked on her door, everything changed. That’s when Katie and her family realised that she was in real danger. She was at risk of being exploited. Sophia, a specialist project worker, talks about how Katie was able to get a fresh start.
Hidden dangers
Hidden dangers
When Katie started secondary school, it was an exciting time. She had a growing group of friends and a great relationship with her parents. At 13, Katie and her friends often used social media and other online spaces to keep in touch, like lots of other teenagers.
It was only when the police knocked on her door that Katie and her family realised that anything was wrong.
Quote
The police took my phone away and said, 'We need to look into it.'
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Stepping in
Stepping in
Online, Katie had been exposed to content and people that were dangerous — people who Katie thought she could trust, but who were trying to exploit her. These criminals groom young people, isolating them from family and friends and coercing them into doing things like share intimate photos.
Thanks to the police, Katie was saved from experiencing this trauma. And thanks to us, she was able to get the support she needed to feel safe long into the future.
Safe from harm
I met Katie when the police referred her to The Children's Society for help dealing with what had happened. There was no pressure on her to work with me. We went at Katie's pace. We spent time getting to know one another, building a trusting relationship. Over time, I encouraged her to join in with other group sessions we were running. These sessions teach young people about online safety, but they also gave Katie the opportunity to build her confidence and gain new skills.
Today, she's taken on challenges she never thought she'd be capable of.
She's found a safe, supportive community where she can belong. And she has the support networks and tools she needs to thrive.
Appeal
Thanks to the help we provided, Katie is no longer at risk. But across the country, support services are stretched, and too many children are in danger of missing out on this vital early help. Every year, thousands of young people are groomed by criminals, manipulated until they feel trapped, not knowing who to turn to. For many, help is only offered when they reach crisis point, and teenagers like Katie often aren't given the same protection that young children receive.
That's why our work is so important. We're here for any child who's struggling, whatever challenges they're facing. Teenagers are children too. We can't let them face life alone.
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Your gift could help a child like Katie – protecting them from exploitation and abuse and stopping crisis in its tracks.