Sussex teenagers trained to help peers spot online grooming
88 across the county are now giving talks about the warning signs
More teenagers in Sussex have been trained up to help classmates spot online grooming.
88 across the county are now giving talks about the warning signs after becoming Youth Ambassadors.
The scheme was started after 14-year-old Breck Bednar was murdered by a man he met online, having been groomed through online gaming.
Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said the what makes the programme so effective is putting "young people are the heart of the conversation":
"Whether they are speaking to primary school children at events such as Junior Citizens, supporting trainee teachers or educating their classmates about online grooming, the Sussex Youth Ambassadors are making a real difference.
"By learning about Breck's Story and sharing those important lessons with their peers, this new cohort will play a vital role in helping young people recognise the warning signs of grooming and exploitation and know where to turn for support."
Previous ambassadors have also been helping trainee teachers understand the digital world they've grown up in, by giving a talk at Brighton University.
They also shared that they were using the skills they've learnt to help themselves stay safe online.
Breck Foundation CEO, Erica Thornton said: "Our hope now is that other counties will see what Sussex has achieved and follow its lead, so that every young person can learn about online safety from someone who understands their world."