Online Grooming (Breck Foundation)
In February 2014, 14-year-old Breck Bednar from Surrey was groomed online by an 18-year-old male he met through gaming. Over several months, the older individual manipulated Breck into trusting him and distancing himself from his family. Breck was lured to a flat under false pretences and was fatally stabbed. The offender later pleaded guilty and received a life sentence with a minimum term of 25 years.
Following Breck’s death, his mother set up the Breck Foundation in his memory to raise awareness of online grooming, exploitation and digital risk, and to educate children, families and professionals so that other young people are better protected when using online spaces.
Today, the charity works nationally with schools, parents and professionals to improve understanding of online harm, gaming-related grooming and digital resilience, using Breck’s story to help prevent similar tragedies and strengthen safeguarding practice around online safety.
Their website resources are available here: https://www.breckfoundation.