Reports of Periscope users, mostly girls, being sexually harassed have emerged. But in schools, kids often compete with each other in order to have more viewers.
In Sweden, it has emerged that pedophiles have been using the app to ‘groom’ youth they plan to abuse. A warning has now been issued, advising parents to delete the app completely off their kids’ phones.
“It has come to our attention that many children and young adults who use this application are encouraging each other to engage in various inappropriate behavior,” says Fatima Viklund from the country’s social services.
According to Viklund, many parents aren’t aware of how their kids are using their smartphones. Meanwhile, pedophiles see it as an opportunity.
A snapshot of the Periscope app. Photo: Shutterstock
“There are situations where (youth) remove their clothes and show their skin. Meanwhile, you’re talking to strangers that you have no connection to. They’re anonymous and you don’t know who’s watching or who you’re talking to.”
If you discover that your child uses the application, there’s one thing to do according to Viklund:
“If you discover that your child has the app installed on their phone, you should delete it.”
Parents everywhere deserve to know this – let’s all help spread the information.
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