Every where you look people live on globally connected devices. Many parents say it is a constant tug of war as their teens and preteens negotiate for cell phones and tablets. The truth is that it IS and SHOULD BE a big decision and one not made lightly.
The challenge in this discussion is that technology is changing at the speed of light. Apps like TikTok have more than a billion users. Roblox has about 70 million users at any given time. The past few months our world has experienced a technology transformation unlike anytime in history. So fears of a child connecting with a predator online are justified.
Even more concerning is the introduction of artificial intelligence where anyone's image or voice can be altered in such a way that the victim can be blackmailed, threatened or exploited. Now everyone is at risk of being compromised, even though they are totally innocent of the allegations.
This Insider Alert video has been created to help parents understand the world our kids are living in. Even more important is how to craft an agreement between parent and child to lay the ground work for expectations between both parties. Open conversation and a commitment to an understanding of the expectations regarding online communications is critical to supporting your child's success online.
Here are some suggestions for creating an online agreement that is signed by parents and teens:
Agree on a code word for the entire family, so you will be able to verify that it is them, if some one is being scammed
TERMS OF THE CONTRACT:
#1 Every app that the minor has on their phone, the parent will have and together they will explore how it works, what the dangers are and what the success are.
#2 They will not post or send anything that will cause them or their family embarrassment.
It is important to have a discussion with any minor on line. Anyone who is asking or suggesting that you send a nude or illicit image is NOT your friend and it will not end well.
#3 They will never sneak out (from school, home etc.) to meet up with someone they met online.
#4 If they find themselves in trouble, even if it is embarrassing, that they will trust you enough to not panic or make a rash decision, but sit down with you and develop a strategy on how to handle it. This is VERY critical.
This contract should be drawn up together and everyone signs it. Open conversation and mutual agreement on how to handle global online communication will help keep our kids safe from predators.
Remember: The four most powerful words on earth are " I BELIEVE IN YOU".
If you or your child are a potential victim of sextortion or social media exploitation:
SEXTORTION IS A CRIME- it needs to be reported.
Do NOT alert the predator that you are aware of what is happening.
Never send money or more images to the predator - it will not stop their criminal behavior.
Screen shot any communications that can be used for evidence
Block the communication, shut off the device, have no more interactions with them.
Take the minor, the device, and any information you can regarding the issue immediately
to law enforcement and ask for Cybercrimes.
Everyone should get counseling.
TO REPORT:
If it is an emergency, call 911
If someone is contemplating suicide, dial 988
Contact your local law enforcement and ask for the Cybercrimes Unit.
You can also report at the National NCMEC Hotline 1-888-373-7888.
WATCH THE VIDEO TO LEARN MORE.
Please note: A criminal complaint, an arrest, or an indictment is a formal accusation or allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Listen to the Million Kids radio broadcast on AM 590 (The Answer) this Saturday at 3:00pm (PST) or if you are out of the area you can listen by logging on to AM590TheAnswer.com or listen to the podcast on Spotify.
Learn more at MillionKids.org or contact Opal Singleton at info@millionkids.org.
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