Issue Date: 18/11/2025
Today sees the launch of a European initiative, facilitated by An Garda Síochána, which provides children and professionals with trusted access to information, protection and support.
A new digital platform, Help4U, developed by Europol and the CENTRIC, has been launched to support children and teenagers facing sexual abuse or online harm. Designed to be simple, private and accessible, Help4U helps young people find trusted advice, understand their rights, and connect with people who can help.
If someone is making you feel uncomfortable online, sharing your photos without permission, or asking for things that don’t feel right, Help4U is here for you. The platform offers clear, practical guidance for anyone under 18 who needs help, as well as information for parents, teachers and professionals supporting them.
While the Help4U project has been led by Europol with IT support from CENTRIC, An Garda Síochána has played a key role in its development.
As part of An Garda Síochána’s commitments to EMPACT – (European Multidisciplinary Platform on Criminal Threats) the online child exploitation team at the Garda National Protective Services Bureau has supported Europol on developing the Help4U platform to prevent online child exploitation and provide advice and assistance for child victims.
A pilot was run involving Ireland, and in February this year, a meeting of the EMPACT Child Sexual Exploitation Action group was held in An Garda Síochána’s Walter Scott House in Dublin for the purpose of progressing the project to full roll out.
An Garda Síochána’s Assistant Commissioner for Organised and Serious Crime Angela Willis said: "I am delighted to see the Help4U platform launched. The aim of the platform is to make a tangible difference to the lives of children who have been impacted by any of the targeted crime types including manipulation or catfishing, sexual extortion harassment or blackmailing, and sharing sexual images.
"An Garda Síochána was pleased to help the project move through the various development phases, particularly in terms of our participation in the pilot and hosting a meeting of the EMPACT Child Sexual Exploitation Action group in Dublin in February.
"While the platform will provide guidance and advice to children, the key aim is to build a safer, more supportive world for young people, where their voices are heard, their rights are protected, and their futures are brighter. I firmly believe it will be a great support to both victims and potential victims of online child exploitation.”
Two Irish platforms are listed as resources on the Help4U platform - www.hotline.ie as it facilitates the reporting of online child exploitation and www.ispcc.ie as they have a 24-hour helpline for children.
Built with young people in mind
What sets Help4U apart is its strong focus on accessibility. The platform lets young people choose how they want to receive support — whether by reading, chatting, or locating a nearby service. All content is written in clear, age-appropriate language so it is easy to understand and use.
For young people who have been victimised, the search can feel overwhelming, especially when they are distressed, feeling vulnerable, or unsure where to turn. Many may not feel ready to speak to someone directly and will first look for information online. Providing accessible, accurate resources at that moment is crucial: it empowers them to take the next step towards getting the support they need.
Help4U also connects young people to professionals who can listen, advise, and guide them towards safety and recovery.
A Europe-wide effort
Help4U began as a pilot project between Belgium, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands and Slovenia, has since expanded to also include Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Romania, with more countries expected in 2026 and beyond.
Help4U was developed in close collaboration with experts from psychology, education, IT, data protection, law enforcement, and academia.
By uniting national efforts under one platform, Help4U strengthens Europe’s response to online sexual abuse and ensures that support reaches those who need it most.
Because everyone deserves to be safe - and heard
If someone is making you feel uncomfortable online, sharing your photos without permission, or asking for things that don’t feel right - Help4U is here for you.
Help4U is a safe place to start - to find answers, reach out, and take back control.
Visit the Help4U website to learn more, get advice, or ask for help.
EMPACT
The European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT) tackles the most important threats posed by organised and serious international crime affecting the EU. EMPACT strengthens intelligence, strategic and operational cooperation between national authorities, EU institutions and bodies, and international partners. EMPACT runs in four-year cycles focusing on common EU crime priorities.
