Children’s devices are unlocking worlds of creativity, connection, and fun - but they’re also opening the door to hidden risks. From disappearing messages to anonymous gaming chats, predators and harmful content often hide in plain sight. Let’s explore five lesser-known vulnerabilities in popular apps and how you can take charge of safety. Risk #1: Disappearing & Hidden Messages Apps like Snapchat, Discord, and some gaming platforms offer temporary or hidden message threads. Predators exploit this by sending inappropriate content or grooming messages, knowing they will vanish before a casual glance. Risk #2: Anonymous or Fake Profiles Apps in which users can appear with little verification (TikTok, gaming platforms) make it easy for predators to pose as peers. They may use attractive profile pictures, engage in live chat, or send direct messages that appear harmless but have ulterior motives. Risk #3: Location Tracking & Geofencing Some apps share location by default or allow in-app geolocation. A child may not realize their location is being broadcast, giving predators access to where they are or may be moving. Risk #4: In-App Purchases & Virtual Gifts Predators may build relationship investment by sending virtual gifts or making in-app purchases. This “gift-giving” builds trust, strengthens secrecy, and can be a step toward exploitation. Risk #5: Oversharing Personal Info Kids often disclose personal information casually: full name, school, state, birthday, or friend list. This info can be collected, pieced together, and used by predators to manipulate, stalk, or contact offline. What Parents Can Do Set app rules: Review privacy settings, disable location services, set strong passwords. Monitor device after “new device” launches: Especially important when children receive new phones/tablets as gifts. Use monitoring tools: Enable alerts for hidden threads, unknown contacts, or unusual activity. Talk about app-safe habits: Encourage children to pause before sharing, think twice about friend/follower lists, and tell an adult if something feels off. Review devices regularly: Have periodic checks of apps, messages, and friend lists (hidden and visible). Why Local Prevention Matters Here in our Florida community, we’ve seen cases where these hidden risks were exploited. Early detection and parent awareness are vital. At Catch the Wave of Hope, we bring tailored workshops that cover these exact topics—so local families are equipped to act. Download our “App Safety Checklist,” subscribe to our newsletter for tips, and book a parent workshop today. Let’s keep children safe online and in real life - together.

Sextortion is one of the fastest-growing online threats facing children and teens today — and many parents don’t realize how common it has become until it affects their own family. At Catch the Wave of Hope, we focus on prevention through education , and understanding sextortion is a critical step in protecting children online and in real life. This guide explains what sextortion is, how it happens, the warning signs parents should know, and what to do if your child is targeted. What Is Sextortion? Sextortion occurs when someone threatens to share private images, videos, or messages unless the victim complies with demands. These demands may include sending additional images, engaging in explicit conversations, or even providing money or gift cards. In many cases involving children, the person behind the screen is not who they claim to be . Predators often pose as peers — another teen, a gaming friend, or a social media follower — to gain trust before manipulating or threatening a child. How Sextortion Typically Begins Sextortion often starts subtly and escalates quickly. Common scenarios include: A stranger posing as a peer on social media or a gaming platform Friendly conversations that slowly turn personal or inappropriate Requests for photos or videos, sometimes framed as “trust” or “proof” Threats to share images publicly or send them to friends and family Children may be coached on how to delete messages, hide conversations, or move chats to private or encrypted platforms. Why Children Are Especially Vulnerable Children and teens may be more vulnerable to sextortion because: They are comfortable with technology and digital communication They may not fully understand the permanence of shared content Predators exploit curiosity, peer pressure, and fear of embarrassment Many children feel ashamed or afraid to tell an adult what’s happening This silence is exactly what predators rely on. Warning Signs Parents Should Watch For While every child responds differently, common red flags may include: Sudden secrecy around devices or quickly closing screens Emotional changes such as anxiety, withdrawal, or mood swings Increased device use late at night New social media accounts or messaging apps Requests for money, gift cards, or unusual payments Fear or distress connected to online interactions If something feels “off,” it’s worth paying closer attention. What Parents Can Do to Help Prevent Sextortion Prevention starts with awareness and ongoing communication. Parents can take proactive steps by: 1. Knowing Who Their Child Is Talking To Review friends, followers, and gaming contacts regularly. Every online connection should be someone your child knows in real life. 2. Monitoring Messages — Including Hidden Threads Check direct messages, archived chats, disappearing messages, and secondary inboxes. Many platforms have features designed to hide conversations. 3. Limiting Personal Information Children should never share personal details such as full name, address, school, birthday, or location online. 4. Using Monitoring Tools When Appropriate Parental monitoring software can help alert caregivers to concerning language or interactions, but it should always be paired with open conversation. 5. Talking Early and Often Make online safety an ongoing conversation, not a one-time talk. Let your child know they can come to you without fear of punishment. What To Do If Your Child Is Being Sextorted If your child tells you they are being targeted: Stay calm and supportive Do not blame or shame them Save evidence (screenshots, usernames, messages) Do not engage with the predator Report the incident to appropriate authorities and platforms Seek professional support if needed Early action can stop escalation and protect your child from further harm. You Are Not Alone — Education Makes a Difference Sextortion can happen to any family, regardless of age, background, or location. The good news is that education works . Catch the Wave of Hope provides parent trainings, community workshops, and school-based education to help families recognize risks early and take action before harm occurs. Take the Next Step Toward Prevention Protecting children online requires awareness, communication, and community support.  We encourage parents to: Download our App Safety Checklist for Parents Schedule a training for your school, organization, or parent group Stay informed as technology and online trends evolve Together, we can help prevent exploitation and build safer futures for children in our community — online and in person.

The holiday season often means excitement, family gatherings, and - of course - new gadgets. Whether it’s the latest smartphone, a tablet, or a gaming system, December brings plenty of opportunities for children to explore the digital world. But with those opportunities come risks. Practicing holiday internet safety for kids is essential to ensure your family enjoys the season without exposing children to harmful online content, predators, or excessive screen time. Step One: Smart New Device Setup for Children Before wrapping up that shiny new gift, parents should take a few precautionary steps. A new device setup for children should always include: Parental controls : Activate restrictions on app downloads, in-app purchases, and screen time limits. Privacy settings : Disable location sharing and ensure social media profiles are set to private. Security features : Install monitoring tools such as Bark, Net Nanny, or Qustodio to provide ongoing oversight. By setting up devices thoughtfully, parents can create a safer digital environment before their child even powers it on. Step Two: Protect Kids Online During the Holidays The holidays often mean extra downtime, which translates to more hours online. To protect kids online holidays , balance freedom with boundaries: Set daily limits : Agree on how much gaming or screen time is appropriate each day. Encourage shared spaces : Keep devices in common areas to reduce secrecy. Check in regularly : Ask your child what games they’re playing or who they’re chatting with - show genuine interest. These steps build trust while also ensuring you stay informed about your child’s digital activity. Step Three: Keep Communication Open The most effective internet safety strategy doesn’t come from an app or setting - it comes from conversation. Take advantage of holiday downtime to start or continue ongoing discussions about online safety. Talk about topics like cyberbullying, oversharing personal information, and recognizing inappropriate behavior online. When children feel comfortable coming to parents with questions or concerns, they are less likely to hide unsafe activities. Why Holiday Internet Safety Matters Predators and cyber threats don’t take a holiday break. In fact, the spike in new device setup for children and increased screen time makes December a critical time for parents to stay alert. With proactive planning, you can help your kids enjoy their new devices while keeping them safe from risks. Remember: holiday internet safety for kids is about more than just protection - it’s about creating healthy digital habits that last long after the holiday season ends. This December, celebrate the joy of giving while prioritizing safety. By combining smart device setup, ongoing monitoring, and open communication, you can protect kids online holidays and beyond.  At Catch the Wave of Hope, we’re committed to equipping families with the tools and knowledge to keep children safe from exploitation in every season. Together, we can create a future where technology is empowering - not dangerous - for our kids.

Protecting children in today’s digital and physical world requires more than just awareness - it takes action, collaboration, and education. In Florida, the power of child safety training has gone beyond classrooms and workshops, leading directly to safer communities and even the arrest of predators. By equipping parents, teachers, and community members with knowledge, we create a strong network of protection that works hand-in-hand with law enforcement to prevent child exploitation local . The Power of Education in Action The impact of online safety education cannot be overstated. When communities receive proper training - whether through seminars, workshops, or digital resources - they learn how predators operate, the red flags to watch for, and the right steps to take when something doesn’t feel right. In several Florida communities, these trainings have directly led to reports from parents, educators, and even young people who recognized grooming tactics or suspicious behavior. With timely reports made to law enforcement, predators were intercepted before they could cause further harm. These real-world outcomes prove that education is not just theoretical - it saves lives. Collaboration with Law Enforcement One of the most critical elements of child safety training Florida is the emphasis on partnership with local law enforcement. Law enforcement agencies rely heavily on community reports to initiate investigations. When community members are educated and confident in spotting danger, they become the eyes and ears that extend beyond police resources. In fact, many arrests of online predators have been traced back to tips from individuals who had recently attended training programs. Knowing how to capture evidence - such as screenshots, chat logs, or suspicious profiles - and share it with the right authorities ensures predators can be tracked and prosecuted. This collaboration is a prime example of how prevention and justice work hand-in-hand. Stories of Local Impact Communities across Florida have seen firsthand the results of these efforts. Teachers who attended workshops recognized inappropriate communication patterns between students and adults online. Parents who learned about grooming behaviors from training reported interactions that didn’t feel safe. In both cases, law enforcement investigations confirmed predatory intent, and arrests were made before exploitation could occur. Each story demonstrates the ripple effect of training: one parent, teacher, or coach empowered with knowledge can protect not just their child but many others in their circle. The impact of online safety education multiplies when entire communities commit to learning and sharing information. Building Stronger Communities Together The fight to prevent child exploitation local requires a united front. Education arms us with tools, law enforcement provides accountability, and together, communities grow stronger and safer. Parents, schools, and civic organizations that invest in child safety training are actively building a culture where predators find fewer opportunities to operate. At Catch the Wave of Hope, we believe that every training session is more than just an event - it’s a lifeline for a child who may otherwise go unnoticed. By spreading awareness, teaching practical steps, and strengthening community-law enforcement collaboration, we can ensure predators are stopped in their tracks and children are given the safe environments they deserve. Take Action Today: Join us in supporting child safety training Florida programs, share resources with your networks, and be part of the wave of prevention. Together, we can continue to turn education into protection and protection into justice.

The digital world offers amazing opportunities for kids: learning, creativity, connection. But it also comes with risks—exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and online predators. To truly protect children online , parents need a thoughtful mix of tools, rules, and open communication. Below is a guide to what belongs in your online safety toolkit , including proven tools, smart device age guidelines, and privacy setup tips. 1. Parental Monitoring Tools: What Works Best Two leading parental monitoring tools are Bark and Net Nanny . Bark scans texts, social media, email, and over 30 apps for signs of danger—like cyberbullying, explicit content, threats of violence, and even suicidal ideation. It sends alerts to parents when something concerning is detected, rather than giving full monitoring over every detail. This helps strike a balance between safety and trust. Google Play+2Bark+2 Net Nanny focuses heavily on content filtering, screen-time management, website/app blocking, and alerts & reporting. It offers real-time filtering of inappropriate sites, location tracking, and a centralized dashboard for parents. Net Nanny+2Net Nanny+2 Using these tools in your safety toolkit can help you see what your child is exposed to, limit harmful content, and respond proactively when something seems off. 2. When Should a Child Have a Smartphone? This question doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer, but certain guidelines help you decide: Consider maturity, responsibility, and understanding of online risks over age alone. Many experts suggest 11-13 years as a common range when children begin asking for smartphones—this is when peer communication, school work, or safety needs may justify granting one. But before handing over a smartphone, ensure they understand privacy, online etiquette, and consequences. Use parental monitoring tools and privacy settings from the start so that even early exposure is safer. 3. Privacy Setup: Foundations of Prevention To prevent trouble from the start, set up strong privacy practices: Review and adjust privacy settings on all social media, gaming, and messaging apps. Turn off location sharing unless needed, block public access to profiles, and limit who can message or friend them. Use built-in device controls alongside monitoring apps. Modern phones/OSes (iOS, Android) allow parental controls over app installations, downtime limits, and filtering. Teach children about strong passwords, recognizing phishing attempts, and the dangers of oversharing personal info. Building Your Online Safety Toolkit Here’s a simple checklist to assemble your toolkit:  Select a parental monitoring tool suited to your child’s age and usage (e.g. Bark or Net Nanny). Set device rules: screen time, allowed apps, internet usage hours. Harden privacy settings on apps & devices. Talk regularly about online safety: what content is appropriate, how to handle uncomfortable messages, how to spot online predators. Revisit and update your tools and rules as your child grows. What works at 11 may need changes by 15. At Catch the Wave of Hope , our mission is to equip families with knowledge and tools so that children can explore the digital world safely. With the right parental monitoring tools , thoughtful decision-making about when to give a child a smartphone , and strong privacy habits, you can drastically reduce risks and build a safer, more trusting environment at home.