ALERT: TikTok Content Trojan (V. Distressing)

Some time in recent weeks a tragic event unfolded in one place that happens in many private locations around the world. A young person took their own life in violent and tragic way. Aside from the incredible grief and devastating hole that this leaves behind in so many peoples lives, there was a nasty side story … the event was live streamed.

This content has now been downloaded by some people who are sharing it across other social media platforms. To make it even more outrageous, the motivated person is embedding this horrific content in a video that has bookended cute kittens and puppies. The event havs also been widely reported on in the press (ABC News is a free news service)

The social media companies like TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Google, Twitter and others are all racing to remove all instances of this, however this will take time. Until then, it is our strong recommendation that you disable social media on your children’s devices, or at the very least reduce it and have the time supervised for the next week or so.

You should also have a conversation about distressing content and how to react to it:

• Talk to a trusted adult (teacher, parent, counsellor)
• Report the content (in the platform, report the link to law enforcement)

And please always remember – if you or someone is distressed, then please call any of these services (Australia):

• Lifeline on 13 11 14
• Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
• MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
• Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
• Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
• Headspace on 1800 650 890
• ReachOut at au.reachout.com
• Care Leavers Australasia Network (CLAN) on 1800 008 774

Safer Internet Day – check your privacy settings

Today is the World Safer Internet Day, and a good day to stocktake your privacy settings, and here are some good tips.

Manage Facebook Privacy settings

Facebook changed it’s privacy settings recently, and some things are really bad. read on for more information about what has changed and how you need to set up both your childrens site, and yours to avoid any tricky situations with accidental sharing of your personal information.

Manage geolocation on iOS devices

We have previously written about the dangers of geolocation services, and the importance of turning off geolocation services on your devices.

Normally, this is great feature, and very useful, however this feature is is becoming more of an issue as more apps seek to find out where you live, and places you frequent.

Warnings about holidays and “check-ins”

Risks of geo-tagging

Did you know that your smart phone could unknowingly be putting you in danger? A number of applications and social networking sites “Geotag” your location when you post or take pictures. Your privacy settings might also allow others to tag you at these locations!

This is a useful feature in certain circumstances. However, it does allow others to watch your every move. For example, Facebook allows you to do a simple “check in”.

15 minute steps to improve your home technology environment

We promised earlier this month a series on setting up you home for safe technology usage, after the technology gifting that most likely happened in your home over the festive season.

The topics we will cover are:

1. Centralise device charging
2. Know what you have

Let’s start 2012 with a series that sets up your home technology for the rest of the year.

With Christmas gone, and the New Year here. over 80% of respondents said that technology was part of their gift plan.

To start 2012 well, indicate which subject area you you like to get help on first, and we’ll set up a series of 15 minute tasks so that we can get everyone on a right path to safer home technology environment.