Cousin's Intervention Prevents Online Exploitation

A 17-year-old’s quick thinking and knowledge of online safety indicators helped uncover a grooming situation involving her 12-year-old cousin. The incident underscores the importance of awareness and open communication regarding online dangers.

Recognizing the Warning Signs

The 12-year-old, Zara, began exhibiting concerning changes in behavior, including a shift in her style towards more mature clothing and increased makeup use. Her older cousin, Jaz, also heard rumors of Zara having an older boyfriend. Despite Jaz’s concerns, her aunts initially dismissed them as typical teenage behavior.

Anxious Behavior and a Crucial Conversation

Jaz was particularly alarmed by Zara’s anxiety surrounding her phone, a red flag she had learned to recognize during an online safety presentation at school. Understanding the warning signs of online sexual harassment and grooming, Jaz initiated a conversation with Zara.

Zara confessed to meeting a boy, claiming to be 16, through Snapchat. The boy initially offered compliments but quickly became demanding, pressuring Zara to send nude photos. Zara felt trapped and feared judgment from Jaz.

'Behind Our Screens' and Roxy Longworth's Mission

Jaz’s intervention was informed by a presentation delivered by Roxy Longworth, founder of ‘Behind Our Screens’ and a recipient of Femail’s 2025 Inspirational Women Award. At 23, Roxy founded the platform to raise awareness about the risks young people face online.

Empowering Through Education

“My goal is to empower everyone to recognize and discuss the risks associated with internet use, creating a safer online environment, especially for children,” Roxy explains. “Technology evolves rapidly, and many parents remain unaware. Open communication is crucial to addressing this problem.”

A Personal Story Fuels Advocacy

Roxy’s commitment stems from her own experience at age 13, when she was pressured into sending a nude photo by a 17-year-old classmate. He then demanded more and attempted to control her.

From Victim to Advocate

When Roxy blocked him, the classmate circulated the photo throughout the school. The school blamed Roxy for breaking their rules, and her parents were only informed when summoned for a disciplinary meeting. This led to a mental health crisis, including self-harm, a psychotic breakdown, and auditory hallucinations.

“I believed it was all my fault,” Roxy recalls. She missed an entire year of school due to hospitalization and suicide watch. Roxy now also works as a strategy consultant.

Sharing Experiences and Building a Safer Online World

Roxy and her mother, Gay, co-authored the book ‘When You Lose It’ in 2022 to help families navigate the digital world. In April 2025, Roxy launched ‘Behind Our Screens’ with a £20,000 grant from the Co-op Foundation’s Young Gamechangers Fund.

“The platform has a dual purpose,” she explains. “Encouraging open dialogue and sharing experiences reduces shame, and it’s essential to involve young people in the conversation. They often possess a deeper understanding than adults realize, and their input is vital for improving online safety.” Femail’s 2026 Inspirational Women Awards are currently accepting nominations.