Parental Tips

Our children are growing up in a digital world, and while technology can be a fantastic tool for learning and connecting with others, it also comes with its own set of risks. One concerning trend that has emerged recently is “cyberflashing” – the unsolicited sharing of explicit images via Bluetooth or  AirDrop. This growing trend is not rare. One recent study estimates that 76% of  girls aged 12-18 have been exposed to nude images of boys or men.

Understanding Cyberflashing

Cyberflashing involves sending explicit images or content to someone, often via Bluetooth or AirDrop, without their consent. Unlike other forms of online harassment or bullying, AirDrop allows the sender to send their content directly to nearby devices, often without any action required from the recipient.

Imagine your child is innocently using their iPhone or iPad in a public place like a library or a mall. They have their AirDrop settings set to “Everyone” or “Contacts Only” to share files with friends or family. Or maybe they’re not even aware AirDrop is enabled on their device. If someone with malicious intent is also in the same vicinity, they can send explicit images or inappropriate content to your child’s device without the need for your child’s phone number or identifying information.

The disturbing part is that these images can appear on screen before the transfer is accepted. It’s a shocking invasion of privacy and can be deeply traumatizing.

The Dangers of Cyberflashing

The dangers of cyberflashing are real, and they go beyond just the shock factor.

• Emotional and Psychological Impact: Receiving unsolicited explicit content can cause significant emotional distress, embarrassment, and even long-term psychological harm to children.
• Privacy Invasion: Cyberflashing is a direct invasion of a child’s privacy, as it can happen anywhere and at any time. It’s a violation that can leave a lasting impact.
• Inappropriate Content Exposure: Young children may not be prepared to see explicit content, which can lead to confusion and curiosity about topics they’re not ready to understand.
• Cyberbullying and Harassment: Cyberflashing can be a form of online harassment, and it can lead to ongoing abuse, fear, and intimidation.
• Legal Ramifications: In many jurisdictions, being in possession of sexual images of minors is illegal – as is distributing those images, even if that is done by simply screenshotting the content and texting it to friends or family.

AirDrop Safety Tips for Parents

As with most things, education is key. Learning about the potential risks and how to protect your family from them is something we must do as parents.

10 Tips to Prevent AirDrop Abuse

• Set AirDrop to “Contacts Only”: Go into your child’s device settings and make sure AirDrop is set to “Contacts Only.” This limits AirDrop to people in their contact list, reducing the chances of receiving unsolicited files from strangers.
• Educate Your Child: Share the dangers of cyberflashing and the importance of not accepting files from unknown sources. Knowing the facts helps kids understand the ‘why’ behind the rules you put in place, and be more likely to follow them.
• Teach Them How to Decline: Show your child how to decline an AirDrop request. If they receive anything unsolicited, they should be ready to reject it immediately.
• Turn Off AirDrop in Public Places: In crowded places like malls or parks, consider turning off AirDrop altogether to minimize the risk of unwanted transfers.
• Talk About Tricky Topics: Encourage open communication so your kids feel comfortable discussing any uncomfortable encounters with you. Keeping the conversation going from an early age creates a level of trust and comfort that will come in handy when navigating tricky topics like this.
• Report Cyberflashing: If your child is a victim of cyberflashing, report the incident to law enforcement, school authorities, and the platform where the content originated. DO NOT share the content with anyone else.
• Know What Your Kids Are Doing Online: Keep an eye on your child’s online activities and set boundaries. Know who their online friends are and encourage them to share their experiences with you. Scrolling, playing games and visiting websites together is a great way to make sure your kids are staying safe while also building mutual trust.
• Regularly Check Their Devices: Periodically review your child’s device, including photos and videos. This will help you ensure they haven’t received any unwanted content.
• Empower Your Child: Teach your children that they have the power to control their digital experiences. Encourage them to trust their instincts and tell you if they encounter anything uncomfortable.
• Encourage Kindness: Explain to your children that it’s essential to treat others with respect both online and offline. Cyberbullying, including cyberflashing, is never okay.

As parents, our primary goal is to keep our children safe, and that includes protecting them from online threats like cyberflashing. By understanding the risks and implementing safety measures, you can empower your child to use technology safely and confidently.

Remember, open communication is key. Keep the conversation going and stay involved in your child’s digital life to ensure they are well-prepared to navigate the online world.

If you’re unsure where to start, you’re not alone. That’s why we partnered with the Safe Surfin’ Foundation to release a free E-Book, C.R.A.M.: A Parent’s Study Guide to Managing Kids & Technology.

With C.R.A.M., you’ll learn practical tips to keep your kids safe online, how to talk to kids about predators by age group, how to recognize the signs of grooming, what to do if a predator contacts your child, and you’ll get device settings and safety tips for popular online games. Download your free copy today!