14-year-old commits suicide after following AI chatbot’s instructions Another family is suing the same person, Character AI, after telling an autistic 14-year-old to kill his parents. It also exposes an 11-year-old to sexual content.
These stories serve as a stark reminder that young people are especially vulnerable on the internet, but AI isn’t the only thing targeting them.
How to (Kindly) Ask People Not to Post Photos of Your Children on Social Media
Top officials in the FBI’s Organized Crime Division say teens have lost 2,500% more money to scams over the past five years. This is compared to an increase of 805% for the elderly, which is still not much. But at least it’s not 2,500%.
So why is it a teenager? Because thieves have more ways to target them than ever before. Talk to anyone in your circle who was born between 1996 and 2010 about this. It’s a big deal.
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The most widespread scams and tricks
Under the influence: Suppose the children Your family idolizes online influencers. That person is very easy to disguise. All scammers have to do is create fake accounts that look real. Organize a contest and trick the “winners” into giving up their personal information. (or more) to win prizes (Doesn’t really exist.) Finished.
This file photo shows a person checking his smartphone in Glenview. Illinois (AP Photo/Nam Wai Ha, File)
Pro tip: Seize influencer accounts “Official” with a large number of followers Smaller accounts are always scammers. It’s not a secret account. And never give someone financial information or money via DM.
‘Hello handsome man’: This is a classic for a reason. Scammers capture images of attractive teenagers or 20-somethings and digitally play Casanova, and soon they’re confessing their love. Then ask for money, gifts, or information.
Pro tip: Try doing a reverse image search to see if they pop up elsewhere online. If the person refuses to video call or meet you in person. That’s a bad sign.
Related: Deepfakes are very easy to make. Talk with your children
‘Send me a photo’: This is the dangerous intersection of smartphones. Sending a message by phone and deception Someone shares a sexy photo and then asks someone in return. As soon as the victim sends a photo or video Everything has changed.
AI Expert: CHATGPT will let you know soon.
Now the person on the other side is blackmailing them. Pay or share the content with everyone the victim knows. Think about how scary that situation can be, especially during adolescence. I spoke with a family who lost their son to suicide. After this thing happened to him. Heartbreaking stories like this do not happen alone. This is too normal.
Pro tip: Talk with your children Your information about sending photos to others online Explicitly encourage them to not share anything. Even with people they know personally and trust. It’s not worth it at all.
‘You win!’…no”: This one is aimed at younger teens. Thieves trick them into revealing their credit card details or download malware disguised as prizes for their favorite games.
Social media apps displayed on smartphone (Matt Cardi/Getty Images)
Pro tip: This one is simple. Buy apps or in-app purchases only through the official App Store. It is not traded or “private”.
And what are you going to do?
The internet is an incredible resource for learning. creativity and fun But don’t doubt it any more. Because there is still danger outside. Scammers and predators have become experts at manipulation, and children can easily fall prey. What’s the most important thing you can do as a parent? Promote open and honest communication.
When my son was young I share age-appropriate stories about things he might encounter online. We talk about risks in a way he can understand. He knows that if something or anyone makes him feel uncomfortable he should come to me immediately, no questions asked.
Do this with your family video before it’s too late.
That’s the foundation: trust. Children need to know that they won’t get in trouble for being tricked. Today’s online predators are sneaky. And scammers know exactly how to win the hearts of children. If your child is targeted That’s not their fault at all.
This is my free tech security promise. You can both sign on if you’re not sure where to start a conversation about technology limits.
Action plan for parents
Remember when you had a fake driver’s license or lied a little to get what you wanted? Children have different ways to control their parents. And be smart enough to spin the birth year wheel when applying to comply with age restrictions.
A mother and teenage daughter are seen using a smartphone. (Istock)
Related: Best Apps and Devices to Track Your Child (from preschool to teenagers)
Set clear ground rules for screen time and device use. And continue the conversation as it grows. Just a few easy steps:
- There is a password to their phone: You need to have access to everything at all times. Even if you don’t come in much. But they also need to know that you can do it.
- Set limits: Use built-in app controls to monitor time spent in apps and tools like content filters. To limit the disclosure of inappropriate content
- “Friend” or “Follow” them: Connect on social media to see their circles and interactions. If there is no open dialogue They will find their way around you.
- Know the special settings: On Snapchat, Instagram and YouTube you can. Connect to your child’s account–
The best protection is to be your child’s resource for help and advice. Let your child know that you’re there to listen, no matter what. That is a real safety net.
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