How Predators Use Instagram to Groom Kids (Part 1)
#TeenDesigner
So you've done your part as a parent and set your child's Instagram account to Private.
And, now you don't have to worry about your son or daughter being targetted by sexual predators.
Right?
Not exactly.
Setting your child's Instagram account to Private is a good start and it helps but online sexual predators and their growing community know how to get around this.
And, they have it perfected because they know that over 72% of teens use Instagram. (PewResearch).
How does it work?
It comes down to the way that Instagram is designed.
First up: Hashtags.
We all use them. It's a way of grouping a central idea or image. Hashtags are not private and can be used by anyone as a calling card to lure kids in.
For example…
An aspiring teen designer might design a cool new purse and post it on Instagram with a hashtag #teendesigner, #teen, #instagram, #designer.
Hi friends! I’m so excited about my new handbag design. I can’t wait to make you one. DM me to order one.
#TeenDesigner, #CoolDesigner
A Sexual Predator makes their own post and inserts the same hashtags, #TeenDesigner, #CoolDesigner, #Teen. Then, when our aspiring teen designer searches posts with the hashtag, he or she will be led to the post of the Sexual Predator.
And, the Sexual Predator is not posting about new designer purses.
I would like to show you some of these examples, but they are very graphic and disturbing.
Next: No Identity Verification
Anyone can create an Instagram account. Let me say that again.
“Anyone can hide their true identity behind an Instagram account because real identification is not required.”
Sexual predators often have multiple accounts--with girl names, accounts with boy names—they use whatever persona they need to attract their prey.
“Their profile will be set up to be something that their victim would be interested in,” says Michigan State Police Trooper Steven Kramer. “If they’re targeting a female, maybe they’ll use another female. If they’re targeting a male, maybe using another male or another female they think the victim would be into. Anything to get their attention and then the groom work starts.”
This is a fake Instagram account with a stock photo of a girl that was being used to solicit indecent images of boys.
A 17-year old boy was shammed into sending sexual photos of himself and later committed suicide.
And, if someone complains to Instagram about the profile, the Predator will take it down and immediately put up another FAKE identity.
Do you really know who your son or daughter is talking to online?
Up Next: Likes and Direct Messages
We all want “Likes” right? Well, especially teens. They get excited when one of their posts gets liked. And, admit it, so do we.
But on Instagram, you can see who “Likes” a photo. Everyone that “Likes” a photo is searchable. If the person that liked a photo has an account that is set to Private, simply Direct Message them. Yep.
“Predators use Direct Messages very successfully to make contact with their prey.”
So now, the Predator has a starting point with the person that liked the photo. The Direct Message could start something like this….
”Hey Carson, dont u love that foto of Peyton?”
If the Instagram user who’s profile is set to Private is not coached for how watch out for Digital Strangers (see my blog post on this), they could very easily start an interaction with this Predator, who is pretending to know Peyton.
And, the grooming begins.
More on Direct Messaging (DM) and Comments on Instagram on my next blog. -
Contact
lynette@dontclickconsutling.com for more information on how to book a talk at your school, church or group.
