Hello Reader,

It's time for our final Summer Sips & Tips!

Did you know that kids can communicate with others through music apps? Let’s talk!

🍹Summer Sips:
​A parent recently shared with us a shocking experience in hopes of helping other families recognize an unexpected online risk–music apps! This parent had taken extensive precautions with their 13-year-old daughter. For example, she

• had no social media,
• could not download apps,
• had no web browser access, and
• had significant screen time restrictions.

The family believed they had removed all the biggest risks. I think we’d all agree they’d done a great job!

Then an unexpected connection happened through Apple Music.

The daughter had someone follow her on Apple Music, so she simply followed the person back. And then communication began through playlist names and descriptions.

The person claimed to be a 15-year-old girl, and over time, the interaction developed into an emotional connection.

The daughter began sharing personal information, photos, and details about her life and struggles through playlists.

The follower then exposed her to sexually explicit written content.

Once the parent discovered the connection, they realized the follower may not be who they claimed to be. The family secured their daughter’s devices, removed her Apple Music profile, preserved what they could, and reported the matter to police.

This disturbing experience is a powerful reminder that online risks aren’t limited to social media, web browsers, or messaging apps.

✅ Summer Tips:

• Talk with your child about who they are interacting with or following back online, even on apps that appear to be “just for music” or just for editing videos, like CapCut.
• Remind your child that people online may not be who they say they are. A person claiming to be another child does not necessarily mean they are. This is the beginning of critical thinking!
• Encourage your child to tell you if someone online begins asking for personal information, photos, or details about their lives.
• Discuss how seemingly harmless features—such as playlist titles, descriptions, artwork, follows, and comments—can sometimes be used to communicate and manipulate.
• Let your child know they should come to you if someone shares something sexual or makes them uncomfortable. Stay calm and focus on helping them.
• Regularly review the apps and services your children use, including those that do not appear to be traditional social media.

A little awareness goes a long way! Help kids recognize that unexpected online connections can become harmful.

Even though "in real life" friends are never perfect, they are ultimately more trustworthy than digital "friends."

Kindly,

Kristen

P.S. Give your daughters the tools to protect themselves with digital self-defense! Read them Good Pictures Bad Pictures Guide for Girls: How I Stay Safe, Smart & Confident. They’ll learn:

• How to recognize and report harmful sexual content
• What to do to minimize the harms from digital dangers
• Why they need to reject objectification in order to protect their mental health
• And much, much more!