Apple Will Soon Allow Kids to Report Inappropriate Content

Welcome to Parent Pixels, a parenting newsletter filled with practical advice, news, and resources to support you and your kids in the digital age. This week: 

• A new iMessage feature, currently in beta mode, will allow minors to report explicit content and escalate it to the police.
• Apple and Google must have been sharing notes, because Google Messages recently announced Sensitive Content Warnings for explicit images.
• Want to take a more active role in monitoring your child’s text messages on iOS? BrightCanary is the only child safety app that effectively monitors texts on Apple devices.

Digital Parenting

❗New iMessage feature prompts children to report explicit images: Apple is rolling out a new feature that allows children to report nude images and videos directly to Apple, which can then be escalated to law enforcement. The feature is being piloted in Australia with plans for a global release, The Guardian reports. It builds on existing communication safety measures for users under 13: currently, Apple identifies and flags nudity in messages, AirDrop, and Photos, but the new update will allow users to report the content to Apple. Apple hasn’t stated when the feature will debut to users outside of Australia. In the meantime, talk to your child about how to respond to explicit content. Here’s our guide.

🙈 Google introduces Sensitive Content Warning on Android: In related news, Google recently announced new protections for Google Messages on Android, including an optional Sensitive Content Warning that blurs images containing nudity. When enabled, this feature automatically blurs potentially explicit images and prompts users with a screen that lists resources and options, including the choice to view the content. If a user attempts to send or forward a nude image, the feature provides a reminder about the risks of sharing sensitive imagery to help prevent accidental shares. This feature will be enabled by default for users under 18 once it rolls out.

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Parent Pixels is a biweekly newsletter filled with practical advice, news, and resources to support you and your kids in the digital age. Want this newsletter delivered to your inbox a day early? Subscribe here.

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Tech Talks With Your Child

Is your child wrapped up in a toxic friendship? We spoke with Anna Marcolin, LCSW, about what to do if unhealthy relationships are bringing your child down. Save these conversation-starters and read the full list of tips at our blog.

1. “What do you think makes someone a good friend? How does that compare to how your friend treats you?”
2. “How do you feel after you hang out or talk with [friend’s name] — happy, sad, or drained? Why do you think that is?”
3. “What do you think a real friend should do if they see you feeling down or upset?”
4. “Have you ever noticed if [friend’s name] tries to control who you spend time with? How does that make you feel?”
5. “Is there anything you wish you could change in this friendship?”

Practical Parenting Tips

Is Snapchat safe for kids?

This messaging app is popular among teens and tweens. But between location sharing and stranger danger, it can also be cause for concern. Here’s what parents should know.

How does social media influence eating disorders?

Social media can negatively impact your child’s mental health. But how does social media influence eating disorders? We spoke with Maiken Wiese, RD, about red flags to watch for.

What’s Catching Our Eye

📵 Why are churches encouraging their congregations to take a month-long digital detox?

💬 Norway plans to increase the minimum age for social media use from 13 to 15 and older.

⭐ How exactly should you praise your child? Research suggests that there are better ways to say “I’m so proud of you.”