Sussex Youth Ambassadors continue leading the conversation about the dangers of online grooming to children and young people

Earlier this year, 48 Youth Ambassadors were recruited across 14 schools in Sussex. They received training to tell the story of Breck Bednar, who was killed in 2014 after being groomed online. Having completed their training and team-building sessions, the Youth Ambassadors have been delivering sessions in schools across the county.

By the end of 2025, the Youth Ambassadors have:

• Reached almost 4,000 children and young people across the county to help them stay safe online.
• Delivered 20 assemblies in local schools.
• Engaged with 191 students at the Crawley Junior Citizen Event.
• Delivered 6 sessions at BHASVIC during their student conference season.

As well as raising vital awareness of online dangers, the Youth Ambassadors have learnt important skills such as public speaking, boosting their confidence and ability to convey important safety information to their peers.

Both parents and schools have appreciated the work of the Youth Ambassadors and noted their own personal development.

One parent said: “She has found a voice, been recognised at school which is something that has never happened before. She has felt nurtured and supported to tell Breck’s story and gained in confidence too.”

Another parent commented: “The opportunities that Megan has had and the confidence they have given her have been incredible, all thanks to being selected as a Breck Foundation Youth Ambassador. She is confident in her understanding and ability to convey Breck’s story and it has broadened her knowledge of the topic of online safety and the risks to young people of being online.”

Schools are also seeing huge benefits from the focused sessions: “As the Leader of Year 8, who watched the assembly, I have had some lovely feedback from both parents and students. That evening, after the assembly, we had a settling-in check and lots of parents shared with me how their child had come home from school and told them all about Breck and his story. While waiting for their appointment slots I also heard quite a few students share the story with their parents. I shared this with Amelia and she was so thrilled that the Year 8s had passed the message on and told me that was the whole point of doing the assembly - so they would engage with the story themselves but also share it too.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: "Online grooming of children is a growing problem and the consequences can be terrifying which is why I have joined forces with the Breck Foundation to protect future generations. The continued success of our Sussex Youth Ambassadors is not just a testament to their own passions - it is the direct result of the Breck Foundation team’s unwavering commitment to empowering young voices. By giving the Youth Ambassadors the confidence and tools to share such an important and transformative story, they have sparked a movement that has the power to shape the future of education. This is more than a programme - it’s a catalyst for change. I am eager to see the Youth Ambassadors take the next bold step - challenging and influencing school curricula to ensure every young person receives an education that truly prepares them for life.

After the festive period, Project Coordinator Giselle Wild will be working with the Youth Ambassadors to influence the 'status quo' of the education system around the dangers young people can face online. The Ambassadors and Ms Wild will be looking at the existing curriculum, identifying gaps and key areas that still need to be addressed.

Speaking about her continued dedication to the Youth Ambassadors, Ms Wild said: “What an action packed first term we’ve had! All 14 schools have completed their Breck’s story training and assemblies have been rolling weekly, reaching thousands of young people with more to come. The next step is looking at the wider YA responsibilities and how to really impact the school’s provision, and ensure a powerful legacy is created.”