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Empowering youth to navigate the digital world safely starts with creating resources that speak directly to their experiences. Our NoFiltr program and Youth Innovation Council (YIC) are at the forefront of this effort. By collaborating with youth, we ensure that their voices guide the creation of safer, more inclusive online spaces. The YIC isn’t just a group of young advisors—they’re innovators and advocates who work directly with platforms like Discord and Pinterest to influence real change. Through initiatives like the Seat At The Table workshops, youth provide firsthand insights and co-create solutions that prioritize their safety and wellbeing online. And it doesn’t stop there — NoFiltr also focuses on producing youth-driven content that directly addresses the risks they face, from sextortion to online grooming. But we know parents need support too, so we created Thorn for Parents to offer expert resources that help families navigate these complex issues together. By elevating the voices and experiences of youth, we’re not only addressing today’s online threats but also empowering the next generation to take control of their digital futures.

1 in 17 minors reported having personally experienced sextortion. But when kids find themselves navigating an uncomfortable situation, they might be reluctant to speak up about their experiences. Our Youth Perspectives on Online Safety report reveals 1 in 6 minors who experienced an online sexual interaction did not disclose their experience to anyone. This data point remains steady and underscores the need for accessible platform safety tools as well as offline education that encourages judgment-free conversations between caregivers and youth. How can we build trust with youth to help them stay safe in our digital world? 

As we gear up for a new school year, consider ways to prioritize conversations about online safety with students. Kids facing sextortion often stay silent due to fear and shame. As a trusted adult in many students’ lives, teachers can create a supportive environment where they feel safe to share. Shockingly, 1 in 17 minors reported having personally experienced sextortion, according to our recent Youth Monitoring report. By educating kids about the potential risks of interacting with people online and talking about these issues openly, we can reduce harm and help students feel supported. Find out how you can get the conversation started this school year: https://lnkd.in/eDHiHiPd 

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Missed our Thorn Connect livestream? You can still watch the recording of the recap of How Thorn’s AI-Driven Tech Protects Children, featuring insights from William Rivas-Rivas, Director of Philanthropy and 🦄 Amanda H. Volz, VP of Customers & Strategic Partnerships. During this 15-minute session, they discuss how our state-of-the-art technology, Safer Predict, is transforming the fight against online child sexual abuse and exploitation. As online platforms grow, so do the threats of child exploitation. Thorn’s Safer Predict offers a powerful, AI-driven solution to detect new and unreported CSAM and harmful conversations, ensuring a safer environment for all users. How do you think AI can further help in protecting our children online? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Think you know how to keep your kids safe online? Let’s bust some common misconceptions!   ❌ Myth 1: “Parental controls are enough.” ✅ Truth: While helpful, they’re just one piece of the puzzle. Open communication and education are key.   ❌ Myth 2: “My child’s too young for online threats.” ✅ Truth: Kids of all ages can encounter risks. Start teaching online safety early.   ❌ Myth 3: “Social media accounts set to private are completely safe.” ✅ Truth: Even private accounts can be vulnerable. Talk openly about their activity online and teach safe sharing.   ❌ Myth 4: “My child only talks to friends online.” ✅ Truth: Online “friends” might not always be who they seem. Discuss how to interact safely online, how to spot potential threats like sextortion and grooming,and what to do when something doesn’t feel right.   Staying informed and involved is the best way to protect our kids in the digital world.

We want to create a safer world for kids. But in a space where we’re constantly connected, how do we ensure that our online experiences remain positive and healthy? In our interconnected world, the internet is a powerful tool for learning, connecting, and growing. However, it's also a space where stress, negativity, and harmful influences can take a toll. Teaching children to practice online self-care is crucial for their mental and emotional well-being. Here are some tips for practicing online self-care: 📵 Set healthy boundaries: Limiting screen time helps prevent digital fatigue and fosters a healthy balance between online and offline activities 💡 Be informed: Stay up to date on the latest online safety practices ⛔ Report and Block Harmful Content: Empower children to report inappropriate behavior and block users who pose a threat 🔒 Safeguard Personal Information: Teach children the importance of protecting their privacy and encourage them to be cautious about sharing personal details online At Thorn, we believe everyone plays a role in fostering a safe online environment. What online self-care practices have you found effective for yourself or your children? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below!

In today's digital world, children and teens are forming friendships online just like we do in real life. They find common interests, share personal stories, and create bonds. But what happens when some of these "friends" aren't who they seem to be? Grooming can happen online quickly or over time. Abusers go where kids are—on the platforms they use every day. They build trust and connection, but with harmful intentions. What do these abusers want? Children are groomed for many reasons: -To obtain self-generated child sexual abuse material (nudes) -To arrange in-person meetups for hands-on abuse -To exert power and control through sextortion When an adult pretends to be someone else and builds a relationship with a child, this is grooming. They exploit trust and shift expectations of what is safe behavior, using fear and shame to keep their victim silent. ⚠️ How can we protect our youth? Awareness and education are key. It's crucial to understand the signs of grooming and to talk openly with children about online safety. Together, we can create a safer digital space for everyone.

Forensic reviews can take weeks, even months, sifting through millions of files trying to find clues that could help identify child victims. Meanwhile, children may be enduring active abuse. The faster investigators can find these clues, the faster they can remove those children from harm. Read about the our latest tool that’s helping investigators find children faster: https://lnkd.in/e38qeMVJ

At Thorn, our mission is to defend children from sexual abuse, and a key part of that mission involves rigorous research. To defend children from sexual abuse in our connected world, it’s critical that we understand how children’s online behaviors can make them vulnerable to those looking to do them harm. Our article shows why we prioritize research and how it drives our efforts to build a safer world for children. 🔍 Key Highlights: 1️⃣ The importance of data in understanding and combating child exploitation. 2️⃣ How research helps bridge gaps in the child safety ecosystem. 3️⃣ Real-world impact: Success stories and progress driven by research. 4️⃣ Collaborating with partners to amplify our impact. By connecting the dots through research, we're able to develop innovative solutions and drive systemic change. This work wouldn't be possible without our partners' support and our team's dedicated efforts. Read the article below and join us in our commitment to protecting children. Together, we can create a safer world for kids. #ChildSafety #Research #EndExploitation