“They (predators) do not have to work hard at all,” Packiam said. “Especially because these young female preteens and teenagers, they’re, they’re so in need for validation.”
“I think children believe when they go on an app that is developed for someone their age that everyone on that app is their age,” Amanda Warford Videll, Public Affairs Officer with the Federal Bureau of Investigation said. “And that’s not the case, there are adults pretending to be children every single day on these apps, looking specifically to victimize these kids and parents need to have conversations with their children.
Dr. Packiam is a clinical psychologist and a University of North Florida professor. She told News4JAX children – especially young teens – are seeking confidence and validation and predators can move in – getting the attention of a child with a simple compliment. It’s extra dangerous because it’s a whole new world – and parents often aren’t up to date on apps and other chat websites.
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