Help 4 you
Help4U is a digital platform developed by Europol and CENTRIC to support children and teenagers who may be experiencing online sexual abuse or other online harm. The platform is designed to be simple, private and accessible, and provides young people with clear information on where to get help, how to understand their rights and how to access appropriate support. The platform may be of assistance where a young person is being made to feel uncomfortable online, is being asked to send images, is being blackmailed or harassed, is subject to sexual extortion, manipulation or catfishing, or where sexual images have been shared without consent.
Help4U is aimed at young people under 18, but also provides useful information for parents, teachers and professionals who may be supporting a young person. The platform allows young people to access support in a way that may feel safest to them, including by reading information, using chat options or locating services that can assist them.
An Garda Síochána has supported the development of the Help4U platform as part of its commitments to EMPACT, the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats. The online child exploitation team at the Garda National Protective Services Bureau supported Europol in developing the platform, with the aim of helping to prevent online child exploitation and providing advice and assistance to child victims.
The Help4U platform also signposts users to Irish support services, including Hotline.ie, which facilitates the reporting of online child sexual exploitation material, and ISPCC.ie, which provides a 24-hour helpline for children.
Help4U is intended to provide a safe and accessible starting point for young people who may be unsure where to turn. It gives practical guidance, helps young people understand that support is available, and assists them in taking the next step towards getting help.
The Help4U platform can be accessed at:
H4U – Help4U Platform - https://www.help4u-project.eu/
Primary Schools
The Garda Primary Schools Programme was first introduced in 1991. It is a comprehensive education programme for 5th class pupils in Primary Schools throughout the country.
The programme consists of a series of presentations given to the school children by their local Gardaí on the role of the Garda, road/cycle Safety, bullying, vandalism, personal safety, drugs, crime prevention and respectful online communication.
The Programme aims to teach children sensible and responsible patterns of behaviour in order that they may:
- Be safer on the roads and at home
- Positively contribute towards Crime Prevention
- Be aware of the the role of An Garda Síochána
- Develop positive attitudes towards An Garda Síochána and its work
Secondary Schools
The Garda Secondary Schools Programme has been developed and is at present being introduced to Second Level schools throughout the country. The programme was designed in conjunction with the Social, Personal & Health Education (SPHE) syllabus of the Department of Education & Science. Trained Gardaí are available to co-facilitate classes as part of the SPHE course at Junior Cycle level in the following 2 modules:
- Substance Use
- Personal Safety
- Cyber safety - Connect with respect
Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE), as part of the schools curriculum, supports the personal development, health and well being of young people and helps them create and maintain supportive relationships.
Help 4 you
Help4U is a digital platform developed by Europol and CENTRIC to support children and teenagers who may be experiencing online sexual abuse or other online harm. The platform is designed to be simple, private and accessible, and provides young people with clear information on where to get help, how to understand their rights and how to access appropriate support. The platform may be of assistance where a young person is being made to feel uncomfortable online, is being asked to send images, is being blackmailed or harassed, is subject to sexual extortion, manipulation or catfishing, or where sexual images have been shared without consent.
Help4U is aimed at young people under 18, but also provides useful information for parents, teachers and professionals who may be supporting a young person. The platform allows young people to access support in a way that may feel safest to them, including by reading information, using chat options or locating services that can assist them.
An Garda Síochána has supported the development of the Help4U platform as part of its commitments to EMPACT, the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats. The online child exploitation team at the Garda National Protective Services Bureau supported Europol in developing the platform, with the aim of helping to prevent online child exploitation and providing advice and assistance to child victims.
The Help4U platform also signposts users to Irish support services, including Hotline.ie, which facilitates the reporting of online child sexual exploitation material, and ISPCC.ie, which provides a 24-hour helpline for children.
Help4U is intended to provide a safe and accessible starting point for young people who may be unsure where to turn. It gives practical guidance, helps young people understand that support is available, and assists them in taking the next step towards getting help.
The Help4U platform can be accessed at:
H4U – Help4U Platform - https://www.help4u-project.eu/