POSH
This page is for young people.
If something feels off but you do not know how to explain it, start here.
You do not need perfect words to understand that something is not okay.
Start Here
First — this is important
You are not in trouble.
You are not to blame.
You are allowed to feel unsure.
If something feels wrong, that feeling matters
Simple Meaning
What is a predator?
A predator is someone who tries to gain your trust so they can control, pressure, or take advantage of you.
- They may seem really nice at first.
- They might say things that make you feel special.
- They try to become someone you trust quickly.
- Then they slowly start changing things.
They do not usually look dangerous at the start.
Simple Meaning
What does “paedophile” mean?
It means an adult who has a sexual interest in children.
They usually do not say this openly. Instead, they hide it by acting friendly, supportive, or understanding.
What matters most is how someone behaves — not what they say they are.
The Pattern
What is grooming?
Grooming is when someone slowly builds trust with you to make it easier to control or pressure you later.
Friendly chats
↓
Giving attention
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Making you feel special
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Asking for secrets
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Pressure or requests
It usually happens slowly — not all at once.
Control
What is manipulation?
Manipulation is when someone tries to control how you feel or what you do.
- “Don’t tell anyone.”
- “You’ll get me in trouble.”
- “You’re the only one I can trust.”
- “Your parents wouldn’t understand.”
It can feel like care at first — but it is actually control.
Pressure
What is secrecy pressure?
Secrecy pressure is when someone makes you feel like you should hide things from the people who normally protect you.
- They make secrets sound normal.
- They act like telling someone would ruin everything.
- They try to make you feel guilty for speaking up.
- They make the secret feel like proof that you trust them.
Safe adults do not need secret relationships with children.
Important
Am I a victim?
You might be a victim if someone is:
- Asking you to keep secrets from your parents
- Making you feel pressured or uncomfortable
- Asking for photos, videos, or personal things
- Making you feel like you “owe” them something
- Trying to control your emotions or decisions
Even if you said yes to something — you can still be a victim.
What happened to you still matters, even if you are confused about it.
Remember This
Important to understand
You did not cause this.
You are not the problem.
Someone else chose to act wrong.
You deserve to feel safe — always
Immediate Steps
What you can do right now
Stop replying if something feels wrong
Take screenshots if you can
Tell a parent or safe adult
If that feels hard, tell another trusted adult
Telling someone is how things get better — not worse.
Hard Conversations
If you feel scared to tell your parents
That fear is common. A lot of young people worry they will get in trouble, lose their phone, or make everything worse.
- You can start small instead of saying everything at once.
- You can say: “Something happened and I need help.”
- You can say: “I’m scared to tell you because I thought I’d be in trouble.”
- You can show screenshots first if talking feels too hard.
- You can write it in a note or text if speaking feels overwhelming.
You do not need perfect words. You only need a way to start.
Another Safe Adult
If telling your parents feels too hard right now
Try telling another safe adult who can help you take the next step.
Grandparent
Aunt / Uncle
Older sibling
School wellbeing staff
Teacher
Counsellor
Pick someone calm, trustworthy, and likely to take you seriously.
If one adult does not listen properly, try another safe adult.
One Step At A Time
A safe way to start
If you feel frozen, keep it simple.
Take a breath
↓
Save what you can
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Choose one safe adult
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Say one honest sentence
↓
Let them help with the next step
You do not have to carry the whole problem by yourself.
If You Fear Being Doubted
If you are worried no one will believe you
That fear is real too. But what happened still matters.
- Keep screenshots, usernames, or messages if you can.
- Write down what happened while it is still fresh in your mind.
- Tell the truth simply, even if it feels messy.
- Try another safe adult if the first person does not listen properly.
Being ignored once does not mean you should stay silent.
If Something Was Already Sent
If you already sent something
A lot of young people panic after sending a photo, message, or personal detail.
- You should still tell someone.
- You are still worth helping.
- You are still not to blame for someone exploiting you.
- The most important thing now is getting support and stopping it from growing.
What matters now is what happens next — not just what already happened.
Important Reality
If the person is someone you already know
Risk does not only come from strangers. Sometimes the person is older, familiar, trusted, or already part of real life.
Familiar does not always mean safe.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
Many young people go through confusing situations like this.
The most important thing is that you speak to someone you trust.
The moment you tell someone — things can start getting better.