A 17-year-old’s quick thinking, prompted by an online safety talk given by Femail Inspirational Woman Award winner Roxy Longworth, helped uncover a disturbing situation involving her 12-year-old cousin and an older boy on Snapchat. The story highlights the growing dangers of online grooming and the importance of open communication and awareness.

Recognizing the Warning Signs

The incident unfolded during a family gathering where 12-year-old Zara easily slipped away to her room with her phone. Her older cousin, 17-year-old Jaz, noticed Zara’s withdrawn behavior and recognized a concerning pattern. Initially, this included Zara experimenting with makeup and adopting a more mature clothing style.

Jaz also heard rumors about Zara having an older boyfriend. Despite Jaz’s attempts to voice her concerns to her aunts, they dismissed them, believing Zara was simply navigating adolescence. However, Jaz remained troubled by Zara’s anxiety surrounding her phone – a key indicator she’d learned from an online safety presentation at school.

A Difficult Conversation

Recognizing the potential for online sexual harassment and grooming, Jaz cautiously approached Zara and initiated a difficult conversation. Zara eventually revealed she had connected with a boy, claiming to be 16, through Snapchat – a friend of a friend’s brother. The initial interactions were positive, with the boy offering compliments.

However, the conversation quickly escalated, with the boy pressuring Zara to send him nude photos. Zara felt trapped, wanting to maintain his attention but deeply scared and isolated, fearing Jaz wouldn’t understand. Fortunately, Jaz was supportive and understood the gravity of the situation.

The Impact of Online Safety Education

Jaz’s intervention was directly influenced by the online safety talk delivered by Roxy Longworth, a recipient of Femail’s 2025 Inspirational Women Awards. At 23, Roxy founded ‘Behind Our Screens,’ a platform dedicated to raising awareness about the online risks faced by young people.

Femail’s 2026 awards are currently accepting nominations, seeking to recognize extraordinary women like Roxy. Roxy explained that Zara’s cousin’s behavior immediately raised alarm bells, mirroring scenarios discussed in her school presentations. Her goal is to encourage open conversations about online safety, creating a safer digital environment for children and young people.

Roxy Longworth’s Personal Story

Roxy’s commitment stems from a deeply personal experience. At 13, she was pressured by a 17-year-old classmate into sending a nude photo. Initially, she complied, wanting to be liked, but the situation quickly escalated. The boy demanded more photos, gaining control over her.

She was too ashamed to tell her parents, and when the photos were shared with a friend who threatened further distribution, she became terrified. Blocking the boy resulted in the photos being circulated throughout the school, and the school blamed Roxy. Her parents were only informed when summoned to a meeting regarding Roxy’s punishment.

Overwhelmed with shame, Roxy, a previously high-achieving student, began self-harming and experienced a mental health crisis, culminating in a psychotic breakdown and auditory hallucinations. She felt entirely responsible, missing a year of school due to hospitalization and suicide watch.

Advocacy and Resources

Roxy, who also works as a strategy consultant, co-authored a book with her mother, Gay, titled ‘When You Lose It,’ aimed at bridging the digital divide between parents and children. In April 2025, Roxy launched ‘Behind Our Screens’ with a £20,000 grant from the Co-op Foundation’s Young Gamechangers Fund. The platform aims to destigmatize online experiences and recognize the valuable insights of young people.