Behind the Friendly Profile

A friendly profile. A worrying secret. A voice that deserves to be heard.Fourteen-year-old Malik is creative, talented and eager to share his game designs. When an online player notices his work, the attention feels good. But the friendship begins to change. Gifts become debts, private messages become demands, and a threat leaves Malik frightened to speak. With a friend beside him and adults who listen without blame, Malik discovers that asking for help does not make him weak. He deserves support, even if he trusted the person, replied to messages or shared something.Behind the Friendly Profile is an illustrated story for readers aged 10-18 about online grooming, manipulation, image pressure and finding help. Written with boys’ experiences in mind, it encourages conversations relevant to young people of any gender.This 1st Edition includes:• An illustrated story showing how attention can develop into pressure and control.• Separate discussion activities for ages 10-12 and 13-18.• Questions parents can ask, with example children’s answers.• Questions children may ask, with supportive adult answers.• Guidance for parents, carers, teachers and facilitators.• Practical information about threats, fabricated images, reporting and image removal services.• UK and international support contacts, a personal support plan and lined notes.Younger readers can explore the story with a trusted adult. Families and educators can use the fictional examples to begin conversations without asking young people to share personal experiences. No sexual images or graphic scenes are depicted.Melony Axe’s books are rooted in her own lived experiences and true situations she has witnessed within her family, NHS and private hospitals, and the communities where she has worked. Drawing on 30 years of experience as a mental health clinician, safeguarding and community advocate, Melony brings together personal insight and professional understanding. Her work with children, adults and families informs her writing, with a clear purpose: helping people recognise concerns, feel heard, speak up and find appropriate support.