By Kristen Jenson and Marilyn Evans
By default, every device that connects kids to the internet also connects kids to porn. It’s that simple —and it’s that infuriating! To keep kids safe in the digital age, parents need to stay one step ahead of trends and know exactly what they are up against.
In this post we’ll highlight 9 major culprits that should be on every parent’s radar in 2018!
1. Apps that let porn slip past parental controls
In 2018 so many kids are growing up with a device in their hands from the time they leave the cradle.
In response to a question about the age recommendations for Amazon’s Fire HD 8 Kids Edition, one mom enthusiastically replied, “My eleven month old loves it, if he breaks it it will be replaced [free of charge], and it is saving my phone!”
Whether it’s a tablet at age two (not that we’re recommending it) or a smartphone at twelve, many parents believe the myth that if a browser has not been installed (or parental controls have been set) kids will be safe from all internet dangers. But not so!
Earlier this year Chris McKenna shared how easy it is for kids to find hidden doors to the internet through apps. Even the Holy Bible app can lead to porn!That’s because most apps also come with a built in search engine.
Here’s a simple example: If your kids have any live chat features on their device though any app, they could be sent links to porn that are not registered on the browser.
And here’s the kicker: getting on the internet through an app completely bypasses parental controls that have been set up on the device! It’s a completely unfiltered internet experience. That’s seriously scary stuff!
2. Xbox, PlayStation, porn bots and sextortion
Sextortion is one of the fastest growing threats to online safety for kids and gaming systems are a breeding ground for predators. Police in the UK report being inundated with calls almost every day about children pressured into sharing explicit pictures and videos of themselves online —some of these kids are as young as 10-years old!
Gaming systems are notorious for introducing kids to porn. Sadly, our friends at Protect Young Eyes report gaming systems may be where parents most underestimate the risks. Dangers inherent to gaming systems include:
- Violent, hyper-sexualized content of many games
- Live-chat features connect kids with complete strangers
- Pornographic content live-streamed via webcams
- False notions of invincibility inspired by conquering gaming levels translating into more risky online behavior
- Failing to set age appropriate parental controls
- And NEW for 2018 —porn-bots!!
According to mic.com, without strict privacy settings in place, gamers (of any age) could be solicited by porn bots multiple times in a 24hr period. These porn bots will start with generic questions: “What are you doing? What’s your age?”Then quickly move to more provocative messaging. If the gamer takes the bait, they’ll be invited to view a “private webcam” show.
These solicitations could be scams to get credit card information, introduction to a porn site, and/or sextortion traps.
Read more at protectyoungminds.org