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Chris McKenna | Protect Young Eyes

AI is supercharging sextortion 😡

Published 4 days ago • 2 min read

The PYE Download: Resource Edition!

Two items to share as we hit the summer halfway point:

  1. Show your kids the sextortion video.
  2. Consider a hidden iPhone/iPad feature.

A Shocking Sextortion Video

The video that astonished so many PYE followers this weekend only lasts 14 seconds. But that's all it needs to make a shocking point.

It's getting almost impossible to identify AI content.

⭐️ (Watch options: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube) ⭐️

Every parent and child needs to watch this video. The woman is AI. The young man is not.
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Most teens think they’re smarter than an AI scheme. But in the heat of the moment, ALL kids are vulnerable (chapter 5 of my new book explains why).
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​You mitigate risk with tons of practice (“if you’re stuck, here’s exactly what to do”) and ridiculously frequent and direct conversations about the issue.
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Also by turning off the App Store. Also by delaying insane technology (like social media) as long as possible.
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​But if you’ve already said “yes,” then:​
➡️ Make all teen IG accounts private.
➡️ Turn off “Find Friends” in Snapchat and limit contact.
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​Here’s how:​
👻 To stop appearing in others’ suggestions: go to your Profile > Settings (gear icon) > under ‘Privacy Controls’ > See Me in Find Friends and toggle it off.
👻 To stop Snapchat from syncing with Contacts: under 'Additional Services' > Contacts > Remove Synced Contacts from Snapchat.
👻 To limit who can contact you: under 'Privacy Controls' > Contact Me > Friends.

Please do not underestimate sextortion. One mom sent me her story, and permitted me to share it with you:

Wanted to share that as a mother of a teen who was a victim of this crime, it was absolutely terrifying to witness firsthand the level of intimidation, harassment, and threats these criminals will go to to get what they want. Thankfully, we did have the red flags conversations and spoke openly about online harms before, which is why he knew what to do when it happened - and called immediately for help. Every parent needs to talk to their children about sextortion and walk them through exactly what to do if they find themselves a victim - no matter what time of night, no matter what the circumstances. Reach out to a trusted adult/parent for help.

A Mind-Blowing iPhone Feature!

Did you know there’s a hidden way to turn an iPhone into a minimalist, dumb phone? And no one talks about it! Until now!

(Our IG and FB posts have over 1M views!)​
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Apple created the feature for senior citizens and others with cognitive needs, but it’s a little-known secret for parents, too 🥳
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Anyone who has tried to set up an iPhone or iPad knows how difficult it is. But if you want to start an iPhone at its most basic, then I want to show you something.
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​It’s called Assistive Access, and it can turn an iPhone into a kid starter phone! Let’s go! 👊🏼
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Maybe you want to start a kid off with a super BASIC phone because that’s what they’re ready for. Maybe a child that abused certain privileges with an iPhone needs to step back to a basic iPhone.
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It’s a little clunky. But I’d rather have clunky and safe than pretty and parental controls like Swiss Cheese 💯
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I’ve added these instructions to our amazing iPhone guide!

Parenting with you,
​Chris​
#delayistheway

P.S. School and ministry leaders! If you want to share this newsletter with your parents, please use this direct link in your own newsletter, app, or social media!

P.P.S. If you ordered my book, thank you! Would you please consider leaving an Amazon review? Amazon loves showing people things people love!

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Chris McKenna | Protect Young Eyes

Family Digital Wellness Expert

We help families, schools, and churches create safer digital spaces. Live talks: kids K-12, staff, and parents. Curriculum, app & device guides. Become a PYE member! #delayistheway

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