Research + News | Topic: Online Safety

Tinder Dating Among Teens: When Swipe-Right Culture Goes To High School

The massively popular dating app claims to block underage users. The only workaround? Lying. And everyone is doing it. Read the article here.

How Social Networks Are Recruiting Teenage Extremists

The internet is a dangerous place for a lonely teen to be. Read the article here.

Can Parents Post Photographs Of Their Children?

Does posting photos of children online endanger them? Read the article here.

What You Need To Know About The “Virtual Kidnapping” Scam Targeting Parents

Phone calls are made to the family demanding ransom money, but the scammers don’t actually have the child held hostage—they’re getting information from the parents’ social media. Read the article here.

What’s Up With The Bizarre, Explicit Videos Infiltrating “Kid-Friendly” YouTube Channels?

While YouTube’s popularity doesn’t seem to be going anywhere any time soon, a recent phenomenon is making many people question the safety of this giant video platform, especially for kids. Read the article here.

TikTok: Record Fine For Video Sharing App Over Children’s Data

Short-form video sharing app TikTok has been handed the largest ever fine for a US case involving children’s data privacy. Read the article here.

YouTube Under Fire For Recommending Videos Of Kids With Inappropriate Comments

From the article: “More than a year on from a child safety content moderation scandal on YouTube and it takes just a few clicks for the platform’s recommendation algorithms to redirect a search for “bikini haul” videos of adult women towards clips of scantily clad minors engaged in body contorting gymnastics or taking an ice bath or ice lolly sucking “challenge.”

Read the rest of the article here.

Parents’ Ultimate Guide To TikTok

Is TikTok safe? How does it work? And can I do a duet with my kid? Everything you need to know about this popular musical singing and sharing app. Read the breakdown from Common Sense Media here.

How To Protect Your Kid From ‘Fortnite’ Scams

The popular game has become an easy way for scammers to trick kids into sharing way too much information. Read the article from Common Sense Media here.

Many Teens Are ‘Sextortion’ Targets

Sextortion is threatening to share sexually explicit photos without consent if a person doesn’t agree to certain demands, such as sexual favors or money. Read the article here.