At Bark, we are always looking for important campaigns that champion children’s safety and well-being. That’s why we’re excited to share with you an essential movement coming here to the U.S. The #MyFriendToo movement has been dedicated to educating kids about sexual violence and ensuring they have easy access to lifesaving resources. This is a global movement that was developed and launched by Protect Children, a child rights organization based in Helsinki. It's officially launched in April 2025 in the U.S., in honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Today, we’re going to share everything you need to know about this movement and why it’s important to Bark’s mission to help protect children’s physical and emotional health.
The Origin of the Movement
Did you know research shows that kids are more likely to tell a friend — rather than a parent or adult — if they experience sexual abuse? It takes so much courage for a child to tell anyone about sexual abuse, but when cases are only told to friends, they can go unreported and untreated.
This is the basis for the #MyFriendToo project. It aims to make sure all kids have easy access to crucial information and resources in the event they have a sexual violence experience disclosed to them by a friend. Currently, there are no other resources in the U.S. that empower young people like this, and #MyFriendToo hopes to close that gap.
How Does It Work?
The culmination of this work is an informative and safe website, myfriendtoous.org, where kids can learn about sexual violence and access needed resources. The site is intended specifically for ages around 12–18, written in a tone similar to that of an older, wiser sibling giving advice. The language is approachable, understanding, and empowering for all kids who come across it, no matter their circumstances.
What’s Included on the Site?
When kids land on the homepage, they’ll see a warm welcome and a reminder that they’re in the right place. A quick navigation to the Resources tab will present a list of reasons why one might be looking for help. This includes:
- “Someone is harassing, threatening, pressuring, or extorting my friend. What can I do?”
- “Someone has my friend’s nude and my friend is worried it might be shared. What can I do?”
- “My friend’s nude was shared online. What can I do?”
- “Why is it important to tell an adult?”
- “My friend does not want to tell an adult. How can I help them?”
The site even includes a message template for how to write what they’ve experienced so they can deliver it to a trusted adult.
For kids personally experiencing sexual violence and needing immediate help, there is a list of reputable resources including NCMEC’s CyberTipline, Rainn’s National Sexual Assault Hotline, the National Suicide Hotline (988), and more.
Why The #MyFriendToo Movement Is Important To Bark
If kids are more likely to disclose a sexual abuse experience only to friends, we can hardly imagine how many of those sensitive conversations are happening over text, Snapchat, or any other online space.
With Bark’s content monitoring, these conversations are flagged and sent straight to a parent. When a child shares something this vulnerable with their friend, it’s important both children know they’re not alone and they don’t have to carry it on their own.
Bark’s main focus has been helping keep kids safe in their online lives, but we’ve always believed in promoting children’s health and well-being in all areas. We’re proud to support such an impactful movement as #MyFriendTooUS with the hopes that no child is left without lifesaving help in such troubling circumstances.
What Can I Do As A Parent?
The best thing you can do as a parent is to ensure you’re having open and honest communication with your child about this topic. The website also includes resources and advice for adults that can aid in these discussions. Sit down and talk with your child about why #MyFriendTooUS is important.
Ultimately, you’ll want to make sure your child knows that no one has the right to mistreat them — or their friends — physically or sexually. Also, let them know you will always be a safe place for them to talk to about anything.
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Bark helps families manage and protect their children’s digital lives.
