Saw a report on TV about children/teens who are exploited and endangered through social media. Obviously, it's not a new phenomenon and the article below is from last July, but the report was aired tonight. In the linked story, a girl was abducted and could have been killed, if not for a person who contacted authorities who rescued her. In the TV story, a girl was showing dozens of posts from people trying to be her "sugar mama" or "sugar daddy." She and her mother were viewing the posts together. Now I realize that the SM problem is wildly complicated and that children will not always be insulated, BUT . . . if mom is sitting there reading these posts from dozens of horrible people, delete the friggin' app! Again, I know the kids will just migrate to another SM platform, but why permit your child to have such an account? And no, I'm not calling for SM bans. Mindful parenting would be a good start. Sextortion cases rise across the country; child abduction survivor speaks out to raise awareness
I guess this was not politically controversial enough to elicit responses. Here, let me try: "Groomers! It's the radical left that promote this sort of behavior! They even do it overtly in the schools."
Actually, it's largely an international problem involving extortionists from around the world (i.e. not a matter of in-school grooming). P.S. Trump sucks.
That's not a new situation. Such things happen everywhere in the world, and now when social media sites are so popular and used there is even more danger online. But it's not possible and I think not a good idea to ban social media on youth, it's much better to spread awareness, and speak to kids about such danger. It's something each parent should do, and at schools, colleges, etc also should be some informational campaigns which will help to save kids from such situations. I remember myself when I just got access to the internet and different sites. I also could chat with someone I didn't know and never though that it may be dangerous because no one ever explained that to me.
I don't know what the answer is, but I feel like this is one good example of why kids should have an age-appropriate understanding about sexuality and what's going on in the world and also that they feel comfortable talking with their parents about not only sex but whatever is happening in the social life.
Technology simply leverages and makes easier what already exists. Examples: Food exists...now, you can order almost anything and have it in your mouth in an hour via an app. Pedophiles exist...now, you can access them...and they can access you within seconds via an app. The tremendous leverage technology brings to the table makes it inherent for parents to monitor and provide guidelines for their children. My daughter is pregnant with our first grandchild, due in August. Already we're preparing to install a Safety Fence around the pool and I've told my daughter my first gift to my grandchild is swimming lessons...and more swimming lessons until the kid can swim like a fish. Unfortunately, poor quality parents also exist and technology leverages their weaknesses against their children. And, the beat goes on.
It wouldn't seem to be that hard to create filters for people under 18 accounts that would scan and delete and report any nude images sent from the account of anyone under 18.
This, among many other things could be improved/resolved with better parenting. However, if that is our solution, we cannot blame other people. That is kind anti-NEW-American Values.
Agree and to be clear, I'm not suggesting SM bans for teens. My one suggestion was that this particular mom have her child vacate the obviously dangerous platform and migrate to another.
