Brooke Istook

Mom. Strategist. Human. Views are my own.

[heatinitiative @heatinitiative]

Don't Crush Childhood, @Apple.

[Frances Haugen @FrancesHaugen]

Don’t believe #BigTech when they say there are no paths forward. We can keep encryption strong and still reduce how much CSAM is distributed across big platforms. It’s time to demand more!

[heatinitiative @heatinitiative]

The real victory this #ChampionshipSunday would be @Apple stopping child sexual abuse on iCloud.

Demand action today: https://t.co/yiJjnKY3fe #49ers v #Lions @tim_cook #AppleMusicHalftime #Rotten

[scott budman @scottbudman]

Haven’t seen this at an #AppleEvent before: Plane loudly flying over Apple HQ with a banner reading “Dear Apple - detect child sexual abuse in iCloud.”
Flown by a group called “The Heat Initiative.”

[Brooke Istook @BrookeIstook]

@Thorn’s 2021 impact report is here. Together, we’re getting closer to building a world where every child can be safe, curious, and happy. You can take a look at the full 2021 Thorn Impact Report here.https://t.co/wGXeTW0d6F #DefendHappiness

[Thorn @thorn]

50% of kids who said they shared nudes sent them to someone they had never met in real life. Friendship looks different in the digital age. Here’s what parents need to know.

https://t.co/iGeKSFy719

[Justin Patchin @justinpatchin]

Check out this new resource from @thorn! Evidence-based information to help parents help their kids navigate the intersection of sexuality and technology. https://t.co/xOiEBwPkDz

[Thorn @thorn]

We’ve spent years learning directly from kids how they’re experiencing issues like sending nudes and sexting. Here’s what parents need to know to #HaveTheTalk. https://t.co/ydJeznYdbK

[Thorn @thorn]

It’s OK to feel nervous about starting these conversations. It’s OK not to know what to say. And it’s OK if you need some support.

Thorn for Parents is here for your talks, awkward pauses and all.

https://t.co/wBOj32vjCY

#EmbraceTheAwkward #HaveTheTalk

[Thorn @thorn]

Our research shows that as kids age, the likelihood of them turning to offline support when harmful interactions occur online shrinks — by nearly half from 9-12 compared to 13-17. It’s time to #HaveTheTalk. Here’s where to start. #ThornForParents https://t.co/ydJeznYdbK

[Thorn @thorn]

“What are your favorite games online?” A simple question like this can be the start of building trust and helping kids to navigate growing up online. Learn more from #ThornForParents: https://t.co/OIjXQw2x18

[Brooke Istook @BrookeIstook]

Tech is changing when and how kids are navigating puberty and relationships. So excited for our new resources for parents to help them have early, frequent and judgment-free conversations with their children to help them stay safe online. https://t.co/k0QyqsJg6s
#ThornForParents

[Safer, Built by Thorn @GetSaferio]

Safer, built by @Thorn, is now available in AWS Marketplace so companies of all sizes can easily access technology to detect CSAM. Let’s build the internet we deserve, together. https://t.co/ukeKZD0abd

[Thorn @thorn]

Today is #NationalMissingChildrensDay

We stand by our partners at @MissingKids and the children and families they're here to help. Join us in supporting the critical mission of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

https://t.co/Yw4aZyAQxF

[Sarah Gardner @sarahbeegardner]

A10. We must create digital environments and collaborate in building digital tools that mitigate grooming and unwanted or predatory messages from potential abusers. #NCAPM

[Brooke Istook @BrookeIstook]

Making mistakes IS part of learning. And the costs of mistakes in the digital age can be all too high. Kids need to know you will not shame them and will have their back no matter what. #NCAPM

[Love146 @Love146]

Open communication is key because you want to ensure that children know they can come to you when they make a mistake (because making mistakes is part of their learning) and if something happens. #NCAPM

[Brooke Istook @BrookeIstook]

Conversations about sending nudes also need to move beyond just the sender. Kids need to understand the role of consent when sharing someone else’s private information and the risks they put on their partner when they ask for nudes. #NCAPM

[Brooke Istook @BrookeIstook]

A9. Sexting conversations should be judgment free and about empowering kids with knowledge to safely navigate relationships and sexual exploration in a digital world. #NCAPM

[Thorn @thorn]

Q9. How should we talk to kids about sending nudes/sexting? #NCAPM

[Brooke Istook @BrookeIstook]

The most significant harm to kids related to sending nudes is when situations escalate through non-consensual resharing or blackmail/sextortion. Tell them you will always have their back, and that it’s never their fault if someone tricks them or breaks their trust. #NCAPM

[Brooke Istook @BrookeIstook]

Per these stats- unfortunately victims of online sexual abuse like non-consensual spread of nudes and sextortion are not wrong in being concerned about coming forward. Victim-blaming must stop.

[Thorn @thorn]

A8. Our research shows that in the non-consensual sharing of nudes among children, 60% of kids and 55% of caregivers place blame on the victim. For more on our SG-CSAM research: https://t.co/qNAHz8W0Nk #NCAPM