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A 27-Year-Old Grad Student's Shocking Act and the Importance of Protecting Kids' Images

2024-11-28

A 27-year-old graduate student was recently discovered using pictures of real children on the internet to create artificial intelligence child porn, which was intended for pedophiles. This disturbing incident has left me with a sense of unease and has led me to address a question that I am increasingly being asked:

"Kim, I don't want pictures of my kids on social media. How do I tell friends and family without coming across as preachy?"

Your Kids, Your Rules

It is completely reasonable for you to want to keep your kids' faces off the web. The fact is that creeps often scan public accounts in search of potential victims to prey on. Moreover, it has become easier than ever for pedophiles to pose as children and groom your child on platforms like Snapchat and Roblox. Additionally, when you post your kids on Facebook or Instagram, you are essentially giving Meta the green light to use those images for training their AI models. Unfortunately, the law is lagging behind in this regard. As parents, it is our responsibility to safeguard our children.

Stop Facebook from Using Your Data to Train AI

To avoid an awkward situation, it is advisable to inform people before a gathering. Most people have good intentions, but they may not be aware of the risks associated with sharing kids' photos online, especially if they are not parents themselves. Remember, this is about you and your kids. Use "I" and "we" statements and avoid telling others how to parent. Share your reasoning or simply send them a link to this story. Be clear and firm, and leave no room for ambiguity when it comes to public posting. If possible, have a one-on-one conversation via email or text rather than in a group message.For example, you could write: "Hey, I wanted to let you know ahead of time that we prefer to keep photos of the kids off the internet for privacy and safety reasons. (We came across some stories that really worried us!) If you could refrain from posting pictures of them on social media, we would greatly appreciate it!"

If It's Already Posted...

Don't panic if your kids' photos have already been posted. Reach out to the person as soon as possible and ask them to remove the post by providing a link to the specific post. I would recommend using text rather than leaving a comment on a public post as it may seem confrontational. You could say: "Hey, I completely forgot to mention this earlier, but we are keeping pictures of the kids offline for now. Could you please take this post down or repost it with their faces hidden? An emoji would be great! Here's what Mark Zuckerberg does."

The Safest Way to Share Pics with Friends

Not sharing photos of your kids publicly does not mean that you can't share them at all. My suggestion is to create an invite-only album for close family and friends.In Google Photos:You can easily do this on your phone or computer. Open the Google Photos app or website. On a computer, click Photos and select the photo you want to share. At the top, click the + icon > Shared album > New shared album. Add a title and then hit Share. You can choose to create a link, search for contacts, or share on social media. On mobile, tap the + icon > Album. Name your album and add the photos you want to share. Select Get Link to generate a private link, add specific email addresses, or share through a messaging app or social media. Make sure the Link Sharing toggle is off for maximum privacy, so only invited users can view the album.In Apple Photos:You can create and share on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac using the Photos app. First, enable Shared Albums. On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > (your name) > iCloud > Photos and turn on Shared Albums. On a Mac, open the Photos app. From the menu bar at the top, choose Photos > Settings. (In macOS Monterey or earlier, choose Photos > Preferences.) Select the iCloud tab, then Shared Albums. Now create and share your album. On Mac or iPhone/iPad running iOS 18, in Photos, scroll down to Shared Albums > Shared Albums > Create. Add a name, images and then choose people from your contacts, type an email address, or add an iMessage phone number. Tap Done. On iOS 17 or earlier, go to Albums > + (add button) > New Shared Album. Add a name, images and then choose people from your contacts, type an email address, or add an iMessage phone number.The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. For more information on all the latest technology, listen to the Kim Komando Show, the nation's largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and provides advice on today's digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. Visit her website for daily tips and free newsletters.

At Dayspring Center on Indianapolis’ north side, Vanessy Cortes takes on multiple roles. One of her favorite aspects of the job is using her passion for writing to assist homeless children. Cortes, as a development coordinator, secures donations, manages marketing and social media, and tells the stories of the families at the center through grant writing. “I have always had a desire to write,” she said. “At Dayspring, there are countless stories to share, and I was drawn to the storytelling element of philanthropy.”

Dayspring Center: A Haven for Homeless Families

Dayspring is an emergency shelter that operates 24/7, providing the essential needs of food, clothing, and shelter. Case managers work closely with each family to develop a plan to address the root causes of their homelessness. The center also has specialized programs for children. Camp Discovery, a six-week summer camp, offers activities that help children cope with their situations. “The main goal of our camp is to make these kids feel like children again,” Cortes said. “Their curiosity and childlike wonder return. They can temporarily set aside their circumstances.”The camp includes field trips to museums and interactive activities at the shelter. For Cortes, serving the families, especially the children, makes her job meaningful. “Just witnessing the emotional resilience in these kids is what keeps me motivated,” she said. “It is crucial to have a strong community supporting these kids.”

Shelter and Case Management Program

Families staying at the shelter regularly meet with case managers to take the necessary steps to overcome their current situation. This program provides essential support and guidance to help families regain stability.

Children’s Services Program

This program focuses on improving the lives of children by providing them with tools and resources to support their academic and emotional well-being. Camp Discovery, a six-week summer program, is an extension of this program. It offers enriching experiences such as horse therapy, field trips to museums, and other recreational activities. These activities help children develop and grow.

Follow-Up Care Program

After families transition from the shelter to permanent housing, the follow-up care program provides continued support and resources. This ensures that they have the necessary assistance to maintain their new living situations.Dayspring Center serves a significant number of people. In 2024, the Shelter Program served 69 households (90 adults and 128 children), and the Follow-Up Care Program served 67 families (67 adults and 81 children).Dayspring’s number one need is monetary donations. Due to limited government funding, the majority of its operations depend on individual donors, foundations, and corporate partners.There are several ways to get involved and assist families at Dayspring Center. Volunteering is one of the most impactful ways. Seeing the work firsthand often inspires individuals to become long-term supporters. Sponsoring special events and donating in-kind contributions, such as clothing, food, and household essentials, are also greatly appreciated. Becoming a monthly donor, with a contribution as small as $30 per month, can make a significant difference.During the Season for Sharing campaign, your gift can make a big impact on the lives of Central Indiana youth. This year, Season for Sharing is partnering with the Summer Youth Program Fund to support high-quality programs for more than 80,000 Marion County youth. To contribute, visit indystar.com/ocdonate or mail a check to: Central Indiana Community Foundation, Attn: Season for Sharing, 615 N. Alabama St. Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Since IndyStar covers all fundraising and administrative costs, 100% of your gift will go directly to Central Indiana agencies.About Dayspring Center:Phone: (317) 635-6780Address: 1537 N. Central Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46202Website: www.dayspringindy.orgContact Jake Allen at jake.allen@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jake_Allen19.

The ability for kids to adapt and have fun is often overshadowed by our structured approach. As Jeff Francoeur, a former major league outfielder and now a youth sports podcaster, points out, we mess it up a lot of the time. Kids don't play pickup games in the backyard anymore; instead, they're often rushed through practices. But during Thanksgiving, we remember the importance of free play. Francoeur suggests that parents and coaches emphasize free play more often, even in formal practices.

Rediscover the Joy of Free Play for Kids and Adults

Start a Holiday Tradition

Organizing a game can bring people together. The "Turkey Bowl" in our neighborhood park has been an annual tradition for 22 years. We play parents vs. kids, and it's not about winning; it's about having fun and creating a tradition. Exercise is beneficial for the brain, as Harvard psychiatrist John Ratey wrote in "Spark." It's especially enjoyable when done with friends. Encourage free play on holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. A morning game can make you feel less sluggish later in the day and become a topic of conversation during dinner.

Keep Them Moving in the Classroom

In elementary school, children spend a lot of time sitting still. Alissa Casey, a teacher who works with third through fifth graders, says most kids get only a half hour of recess and one 50-minute PE class per week. This isn't enough. Teachers can ask for physical activity breaks in the classroom. Jordan Carlson, a professor of pediatrics, says short physical activity bursts help with on-task behavior and improve learning. Try activities like marching in place or moving to music.

Make Devices a Part of Active Free Play

The physical activity report card shows that too much screen time is a problem. Amanda Staiano says kids should limit screen time to no more than 2 hours per day. High amounts of sedentary behavior increase health risks. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends creating a Family Media Plan. Encourage family members to charge tablets in the living room and put phones away during meals. But also show kids that devices can be used for active games.

Allow Them to Dream

Dreaming keeps kids playing sports. Francoeur spoke to Yankees manager Aaron Boone about his ALCS-winning home run. As a kid, Boone dreamed of doing that. When we were young, we dreamed of playing in the yard. Even on cold or rainy days, we could dream of doing other activities. The AAP recommends kids take a day of rest and a few months off from specific sports. Fill their free time with dreams and free play. Our neighborhood "Turkey Bowl" has evolved over the years, and our kids are getting closer to beating us. They can dream of that day.Steve Borelli, aka Coach Steve, has been with USA TODAY since 1999 and has coached his sons' teams. His column is posted weekly. For questions, email him at sborelli@usatoday.com.