05/02/2025
This is SO important to protect our children
Last year I attended a webinar hosted by In Hope entitled βPredators Hiding in Plain Sightβ.
I would like to share a few things that the presenter shared.
β οΈ Content of interest to predators (COITP) included:
- Children in swimsuits
- Pageantry photos
- Children doing gymnastics
- Children in diapers
- Children in the swimming pool
- Back to school photos
- PLUS everyday family photos
βΌοΈ Predators are driving minors to self-produce content on:
- In gaming environments, which are often described as the βmodern day playgroundβ.
- Mainstream social media β predators are posting and browsing content of interest, finding like-minded individuals to trade CSAM with, and finding victims to move off-site to messenger platforms.
- Messenger apps β including encrypted platforms to communicate with victims.
βοΈ When a predator contacts a child, they will try to lure the child to an encrypted messenger platform.
Algorithms play a role in recommending more content, i.e., if a predator has searched for βgirl gymnasticsβ, the algorithm will push more of the same type of content.
Predators can find other like-minded individuals in the comments section.
In live streaming, predators will often ask a child to:
- Do a handstand
- Pout at the camera
- Blow a bubble gum
- Can you draw with your feet?
- Put the camera at this angle
βΌοΈβΌοΈ I cannot reiterate how important it is to have any social media account set to PRIVATE.
β NEVER share images of your children on public accounts. Keep in mind that once you post an image, you lose control over it.
β Please do not include photos of your children in your profile photo.
π Please supervise your children online.
β Children should NEVER use devices in private spaces.
β Children should NEVER communicate online with anyone they do not know in the βrealβ world.