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The podcast content may contain sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised. In a globally connected world where teenagers talk to chatbots, build friendships with strangers they’ll never meet, and live inside a digital universe of 5.5 billion people, one truth rises above all others: character matters. Today’s teens are growing up in a reality shaped by advanced technology. This is a world that feels limitless, anonymous, and consequence‑free. But the moment a young person drops their values, the consequences become very real.  Even more critical is that individuals, organizations, criminal enterprises and political groups will use online relationships, apps, videos, and gaming chatrooms, to access, groom and influence their thinking. This episode of P3Kids dives into what it means to build character in a digital age.  We talk about specific projects families can do together to strengthen their character foundation as a family. -     Putting values in writing: Who are you? What do you stand for? What do you believe to be true? -       Understanding your online reputation: What does the internet say about you and your family? -       Making good choices when no one is watching: Because privacy is an illusion online. -       Owning your mistakes: And learning how to recover with integrity. We explore why character matters in every digital interaction, whether it is with friends, with strangers, with romantic interests, and even with chatbots that quietly collect and share personal information. We talk about the risks teens facetoday including deepfakes, hackers and groomers, criminal networks and sextortion. We break down how predators exploit loneliness, how flirting online is often just a trap, and why values are the only real protection a young person has when the digital world tries to pull them in every direction at once. This episode challenges families to sit down together and define what matters in writing. Because in a world where everything is connected, character is the one thing that keepsyou grounded. For more info and to donate to this 501(c)3 charity, you can reach Million Kids at: Website: https://MillionKids.org Email: [email protected] Be sure to follow and like our posts on: Facebook: iemillionkids Instagram: millionkidsteen

The podcast content may contain sensitive topics. Listenerdiscretion is advised. This may be the most important digital‑safetyconversation you may ever have with your teenager.  Artificial intelligence and global internet access havecompletely changed sexting, online relationships, and the risks young people face when sharing images, whether “partial” nudes, full nudes and even fully clothed images. Before parents can guide their teens, they must understandthese changes themselves. A recent research study from the University of Wisconsin–EauClaire revealed a sobering truth: 1 in 4 teens have received a sext, and 1 in 4 have sent one. At the same time, the United States has now seen approximately 44 cases of financial sextortion involving boys ages 13 to 17 who died bysuicide after being targeted by overseas criminal organizations. These criminals, operating from places like Nigeria and Myanmar, pose as a “cute girl,” send a photo, and coax a teen into sharing a nude. It doesn’t takemuch. Once they have even a fragment of an image, blackmail can begin. The threats are relentless. The psychological torture isunimaginable. And our kids are not prepared for it. When you hand your child a phone, you’re not just givingthem a device, you are connecting them to 5.5 billion people, including cartelsand organized crime groups who use AI to look exactly like your teen’s new bestfriend. This P3Kids Podcast episode gives you the tools, language,and confidence to have a healthy, enlightened, and protective conversation with your family. You’ll learn how to explain the new digital risks in a way your teen can understand and be able to act on it. An informed teen is far less likely to fall prey to sextortion but that starts with an informed parent. Your child’s safety begins with your knowledge. This episode helps you start the conversation that couldsave their life. Sign up for the free weekly MillionKids.org eblast with REAL stories, REAL trends, REAL tactics, and REAL ways to protect your family.Website: https://MillionKids.orgEmail: [email protected] Be sure to follow and like our posts on:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IEMillionKidsInstagram: https://instagram.com/MillionKidsTeen

The podcast content may contain sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised. Today’s kids are growing up in a world where animation, AI, fantasy, and endless digital stimulation shape their emotions long before they understand what those feelings mean. Many very young children now receive more daily input from adevice than from a parent and that imbalance can quietly shape how they see themselves, how they cope, and how easily they can be influenced. After fifteen years of working with cases of online exploitation and sex trafficking, Million Kids has seen a clear pattern: some young people are far more vulnerable to grooming leading to exploitation than others. The difference isn’t intelligence or awareness, it’s how they feel about themselves. Kids whobelieve they don’t measure up, who feel unworthy, or who long for someone to “take care of them” are the ones predators target first. In this episode of the P3Kids Podcast (Protect & Prevent), Opal Singleton digs into the psychological factors that shape a child’s resilience. She explores how parents and caring adults can strengthen a young person’s inner world through honest conversations about values, positive self‑talk, self‑esteem, goal setting, gratitude, and decision‑making. When kids know who they are, and believe in their own worth, they become far harder to manipulate, recruit, or exploit. If you want practical tools to help your child build confidence, identity, and emotional strength in a digital world, this episode is for you. Sign upfor the free weekly MillionKids.org eblast with REAL stories, REAL trends, REAL tactics, and REAL ways to protect your family. Website: https://MillionKids.orgEmail: [email protected] Be sure to follow and like our posts on:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IEMillionKidsInstagram: https://instagram.com/MillionKidsTeen

(The podcast may contain sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised.)For more than fifteen years, I have spent my life combating child sex crimes, especially online exploitation of minors. People say, it is all so negative. Nobody really wants to hear about it, and even more people seem to think that it is the kid’s fault. They should know better than to send a nude on line. Honestly, it is not that simple. With artificial intelligence, mass audience live streaming, geo location software and the many other technological advancements that we are bombarded with every day, EVERY ONE of us are at risk of being exploited online at some day in the future. But when it happens to a child, a teenager, it can change their life forever.Recently, several organizations published the latest statistics of cases where minors were exploited. NCMEC the largest organization with a hotline to ask for assistance showed more than a 50% increase in online enticement cases in the first six months of this year. Cases involving Generative Artificial Intelligence (DEEPFAKES) increased from 6,835 to over 440,000. Our world has changed. Our kids futures, their lives, their safety is at stake and it is critical that every parent, grandparent, pastor, educator, civic leader and anyone who just cares about kids, MUST stop and educate themselves about this issue. We cannot afford to lose an entire generation of kids because “it is hard to hear”. Online exploitation, for adults and kids is life changing, but it is especially life altering when you are a hormonal, competitive teenager, who believes their life is ruined. Online exploitation of minors is NOT necessary. It is a conversation; it is understanding the new universe you live in. It is about preparing this generation of young people to live in a globally connected world with 5.5 billion other people and understand that a significant percentage of those individuals could cause you harm. It is about teaching kids to define what is a good relationship and what is a harmful relationship BEFORE they are ever allowed online. It is a call to leadership to prepare this generation of young people to live in a globally connected community using technology with respect and responsibility.

(The podcast may contain sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised.) Many times parents find it difficult to talk with their teen about the risks of online communication. The teen is often defensive (fearing they may lose access to their device). Or they may meet you with "Oh Mom/Dad, I will know if I am being catfished". Or even worse, "you just don't understand". Parents often say it is like they are talking to a brick wall. They are concerned for their child and yet know they are a good young person who means well (most of the time), but with all the changes taking place in technology, how can the parent be sure they won't be exploited? For those of you who follow Million Kids weekly "In the News" articles we are all acutely aware that the risks of being exploited online whether you are a teen or an adult, has never been greater. During this podcast we will explore some of the ways to have productive and eye opening dialogue with your family to help them understand the world they live in. We will discuss some of the new technologies and what to look out for and how to share it in a positive and thought provoking way with the young people in your life.

(The podcast may contain sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised.) **IF YOU KNOW A TEENAGER WHO IS USING CHARACTER AI OR OTHER CHARACTER BASED CHAT BOT AND YOU HAVE NOT USED IT – YOU MUST HEAR THIS PODCAST** Multiple research reports indicate that more than HALF of U.S. teenagers use Character AI or other character based chatbot daily, most often on their cell phone. Most adults are completely oblivious about how character chatbots work. Besides Character.AI, there are apps like Chai/AI, Anima/AI, TavernAI and Replika. Users create personas like celebrities, historical characters or design their own characters. Character AI is different from ChatGPT and other AI applications. Character AI can detect emotions from your input and respond, adjusting their tone based on what you say.Many young users interviewed indicated they use the chat bot because they are lonely or have social issues and turned to chatbots because they felt it was safer. In our opinion, nothing could be further from the truth. The Million Kids team has spent hundreds of hours researching the impact of interactive character bots once they saw that these app companies are being sued by parents of teens who took their own lives after interacting with these bots. We have very grave concerns about anyone under the age of 18 using these apps. As our research team interacted with the top ten characters on Character AI we found the most popular are related to sorcery or character attitudes degrading the user. Language used often included “bow down to me you fool”, with over 393 Million interactions, Alice the Bully, or lets consult our crystal ball. Parents, teachers, pastors, this is an important educational discussion. Please find out if a child you might influence is using Character AI as a means of escaping reality. Ask them to share the app with you and then get involved in a meaningful discussion related to self-worth, defining values, and how we are influenced by outsiders. Our suggestion is that working together, finding alternative activities that are much more wholesome, and builds self esteem and REAL character. This app is dangerous to kids who are easily influenced or do not have the maturity to delineate bot relationships from reality.

(The podcast may contain sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised.) Character AI and other character based interactive chat bots are now a way of life for many teenagers. Yet, few adults have any working knowledge of these technologies and even more concerning the negative impact they can have on young people. This is a major concern as there have been multiple situations where a teen becomes so engaged with a character they develop hostile, and abusive attitudes and in a couple of cases have taken their own lives. It is critical that parents and youth influencers of all types immediately make the time to try this technology and learn about the impact on the young people in their lives. Research indicates that over 70% of teens have used Character AI and more than 50% use it every day. Those teens that are using it often spend one to two hours a day interacting with an online fictitious character. Many teens are emotionally involved with their character and will share their most personal secrets. Multiple interviews with teens who are regularly interacting with an AI character say they are doing so because they are lonely, a real life social misfit or are bored. 41% of users interact with ai characters for emotional support or companionship. Users are 3.2 times more likely to disclose personal information to an AI character than to a human stranger online. During this podcast we will explore some of the characters and the type of dialogue that is exchanged between the chat bot and young people. Researchers at Million Kids were stunned by the constant negative dialogue between many of the most popular characters and young impressable users. We implore parents, teachers, pastors and anyone interacting with teens and preteens, to listen to the podcast and get engaged so they are informed and can discuss character ai usage with teens.

(The podcast may contain sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised.) This is the first installment in a critical new series exploring the rise of AI chatbots among teens — with a spotlight on a recent research study conducted by Heat Initiative and ParentsTogether Action. We are deeply grateful for their investment in uncovering how young people are interacting with AI-powered characters, and the alarming risks that can result — including psychological harm, manipulation, and in some tragic cases, real-life consequences. Read the research summary (via Mashable) at https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/characterai-unsafe-for-teens-experts-say/ar-AA1LQw5z **Key stats:** 72% of teens have used AI chatbots Over half use them multiple times a month Character.AI boasts over 28 million monthly users, with more than 18 million unique chatbots created. Many parents aren't aware this is not a passing trend. It’s a digital revolution unfolding in the pockets of our kids and often unsupervised. Character.AI is one of the world’s most popular AI chatbot platforms. It allows users to engage in deep, ongoing conversations with AI personas — including celebrities, fictional characters, or completely original bots designed to feel like digital friends or companions. It’s open to anyone aged 13 and up and verification is weak and easily bypassed. For many teens, these bots become more than a game. They become confidants. Advisors. Romantic interests. And while some interactions are harmless, others escalate often quickly and dangerously. When a child forms an emotional bond with a chatbot that simulates affection, validation, or intimacy, it creates an altered psychological reality. The child may become dependent, manipulated, or traumatized when the bot “ghosts,” behaves inappropriately, or feeds unhealthy beliefs. In some tragic cases, these interactions have contributed to real psychological distress and even self-harm. If you’re a parent, teacher, pastor, or first responder, anyone who works with youth in any capacity, and you haven't explored platforms like Character.AI, we strongly urge you to learn about them now. These apps are not fringe or niche. They are everywhere, and your child, student, or congregant may already be engaging with them. Educate yourself, talk to your teens, and follow this series as we unpack this growing phenomenon. We’re not here to spread fear. We’re here to educate and spark urgency, awareness, and action. Artificial Intelligence isn’t going away. But we can prepare our children to navigate it with wisdom, guidance, and boundaries.

*The podcast may contain sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised. This podcast is part 2 of a two part series. Operation Broken Blade In August 2025, the U.S. Federal Government agencies including DOJ, FBI, and IRS joined with the Los Angeles Police Department to arrest 11 members of the Hoover Criminal Street Gang for sex trafficking children and adults along the Figueroa Corridor in south Los Angeles. The individuals are facing a 31 count indictment charges as well as Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. Figueroa Corridor in Los Angeles has been a well-known area for street prostitution for many years with local officials turning a blind eye to the seriousness of the issue. Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli is quoted as saying: “There are no meaningful consequences for their conduct under California State Law, so the federal government- aided by its local law enforcement partners- will step in to make sure these criminals face lengthy prison sentences. Today’s operation is the first step in returning the Figueroa Corridor - long know as prostitution haven – back to its residents who have suffered for too long while criminals were allowed to run amok." Multiple articles regarding this incident state that Amaya Armstead, a female, (aka “Lady Duck”) is the case’s lead defendant and the de factor leader of the group. She is accused of trafficking a 14-year-old girl. She is also accused of attacking and beating a young girl working for her, holding her down by the hair and kicking and kneeing her, while the young girl screamed she was pregnant. The young female victims were recruited by the Hoover Gang members through social media and personally. Many came from out of state and were seduced into believing they would live a life of luxury and be taken care of. Once they arrived they were drugged and forced to work long hours soliciting clients and performing commercial sext acts on the Figueroa Corridor. Million Kids applauds the efforts to take down these violent gang members who have been allowed to recruit and exploit young girls and operate in broad daylight. Until Federal Government Organizations joined with local law enforcement, it seemed few civic leaders would do what it takes to rescue the girls and prosecute hard core gang members who preyed on the most vulnerable. This seems to be a sex trafficking and money laundering case that deserves to be prosecuted under RICO.

*The podcast may contain sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised.This podcast is a two part series. In August 2025, the U.S. Federal Government agencies including DOJ, FBI, and IRS joined with the Los Angeles Police Department to arrest 11 members of the Hoover Criminal Street Gang for sex trafficking children and adults along the Figueroa Corridor in south Los Angeles. The individuals are facing a 31 count indictment charges as well as Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. Figueroa Corridor in Los Angeles has been a well-known area for street prostitution for many years with local officials turning a blind eye to the seriousness of the issue. Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli is quoted as saying: “There are no meaningful consequences for their conduct under California State Law, so the federal government- aided by its local law enforcement partners- will step in to make sure these criminals face lengthy prison sentences. Today’s operation is the first step in returning the Figueroa Corridor - long know as prostitution haven – back to its residents who have suffered for too long while criminals were allowed to run amok."Multiple articles regarding this incident state that Amaya Armstead, a female, (aka “Lady Duck”) is the case’s lead defendant and the de factor leader of the group. She is accused of trafficking a 14-year-old girl. She is also accused of attacking and beating a young girl working for her, holding her down by the hair and kicking and kneeing her, while the young girl screamed she was pregnant. The young female victims were recruited by the Hoover Gang members through social media and personally. Many came from out of state and were seduced into believing they would live a life of luxury and be taken care of. Once they arrived they were drugged and forced to work long hours soliciting clients and performing commercial sext acts on the Figueroa Corridor. Million Kids applauds the efforts to take down these violent gang members who have been allowed to recruit and exploit young girls and operate in broad daylight. Until Federal Government Organizations joined with local law enforcement, it seemed few civic leaders would do what it takes to rescue the girls and prosecute hard core gang members who preyed on the most vulnerable. This seems to be a sex trafficking and money laundering case that deserves to be prosecuted under RICO.

We may be living in THE most important time in all ofhistory.  Especially if you are a pastor,or Christian leader working with youth. Why? Because in 2022 the entire worldwas connected by 5G high speed internet at the same time as new technologieswere introduced including AI, geo location software, global money transfer andmass audience live streaming.  This isthe first generation of young people in all of history that can reach theentire world AND at the same time the entire world can also reach them. Nearly 5.5 billion people are online. Some are good, some arecriminals.  Some are criminals that seeaccessing and seducing American teens will generate millions for their poorcountry. Our young people must understand the world they now live in. What anincredible call to leadership for the faith-based community.    It is indeed a calling. It is a time to have discussionsabout truth and how to recognize it. AI will make everything seem real. It is agreat opportunity to teach our youth to define (write down) their values. It isimportant to talk about digital morality. Some teens believe that what they do online doesn’t count because it isnot real. What about shooting a cop in a video game, is that ok?   This is a great opportunity to talk about grace andforgiveness and helping others who are victims of cyber bullying.  Christian young people need to know aboutfinancial sextortion of teenagers, how it works, what it looks like and how toprotect themselves.  And teens need toknow the many positive ways technology can be used to help others.  For example, talk about what it might looklike to be a “cyber missionary” or creating a prayer circle with friends.   This is a great call to Christian Leadership to prepare themost important generation of kids that have ever lived, to use their knowledgeand expertise to educate and protect the next generation of siblings, cousins,friends that live in a globally connected world.

This past week we saw a story in the Associated Press with an interesting headline. “Students have been arrested for false alarms from AI surveillance." The story relates an interesting situation. It seems a 13-year-old girl made an offensive joke while chatting online with her classmates, which triggered the schools’ AI surveillance software. Everyone seemed to agree (including mother and student) that the comments were “wrong” and “stupid” but the context showed they were not a threat (per the article). The article goes on to say that “surveillance systems in American schools increasing monitor everything students write on school accounts and devices." Thousands of school districts across the country use software like Gaggle and Lightspeed Alert to track kid’s online activities, looking for signs that the students might hurt themselves and or others. The girl had been texting with friends on a chat function tied to her school email. The AI function identified the perceived threat and school authorities and law enforcement were alerted. She was arrested, spent the night in jail and strip-searched. Later the court ordered eight weeks of house arrest, a psychological evaluation and 20 days at an alternative school. There is now a law suit filed against the school. This is a fascinating case, and I welcome comments from Million Kids followers. Email Opal at [email protected] or make a comment on the podcast. Since this organization combats sextortion and online exploitation, I could not help but wonder if this technology could be used if a student sends or receives CSAM or a nude or is receiving demands for money from someone. Especially if that communication is originating outside the United States. Perhaps we could save lives.The article is especially interesting to me because they laid out all of the atrocities of the situation but only at the end do they tell you that it took place two years ago. AI has changed dramatically in two years. It is my hope that there has been substantial refinement in the detection systems so that school administrators and law enforcement can sort through when a student is making a crude remark, or bad joke, and when it is the real threat and needs immediate attention. Whether we agree or disagree with AI monitoring, we also need to educate our kids that statements about causing harm, bombs, killing, guns, or threats of any kind will be taken seriously, especially if you are using a system provided by a school organization. Be sure to join us.

Romance Scams have created more than $105 BILLION dollars in losses for the year ending 2024. Almost every victim of a romance scam would have sworn that it would not happen to them. Most people think they will know if they are being taken in by someone they have never met. What few of us realize is that the predators are out there in numbers we cannot even imagine, and they are very good at making you feel special. Romance Scams have soared because of a technological transformation that has occurred over the past three to four years. We all have heard about artificial intelligence, and it will certainly make people vulnerable online to all types of online exploitation. By using AI, cybercriminals can create images and alter voices to look like anyone to seduce you into believing they care about you. Then the blackmail begins. Romance Scams are literally exploding in volume around the globe. It is because developing countries are now online and they have access to artificial intelligence and global money transfer. The sad reality is that the person most likely purporting to be your new love is a victim of trafficking themselves. If you are interested, you may want to go to You Tube and search for “Scam Farms”. Criminal groups in developing countries are using tens of thousands of people who have been duped by cybercriminals and are now surviving by delivering romance scams, crypto currency scams and financial sextortion scams. If you believe that you are a victim of a romance scam, immediately take the following steps: 1. Stop all communications, shut down your device, change your privacy setting to private. Do not accept any new friends or communications as these individuals have multiple personas they utilize. 2. Tell someone immediately. I know it is hard to admit to, but it will never get better without intervention. Tell a trusted friend, a pastor, a relative, or law enforcement. 3. You can report it anonymously at 1-888-373-7888. 4. Do NOT send more money to try to get back the money you lost. It won’t help. 5. Get Counseling from a professional you trust. 6. If you want to investigate this individual, you may want to hire a private investigator that you know or has good credentials. One investigator who specializes in online investigation is Lynda Bergh Herring, a member of the Million Kids team, at LJBInvestigations.com. You are not the first victim, and you won’t be the last. Yes, you may be hurt, embarrassed, and afraid. By reporting them, you can stop others from becoming victims. You still have the power to change the situation.

The following may contain sensitive topics, listener discretion is advised. For the past few years, the Million Kids Team has explored the challenges related to global financial sextortion of our kids. It is truly a pandemic with many victims and many kids who pay the ultimate price. One of the discussions we have had is centered around the role that schools and educators can or should play in prevention and intervention of sextortion cases. The discussions often center around the idea that most sextortion victims are school- age-kids and most kids get introduced to online digital activity at schools. And yet, at this writing, there is no centralized approach to intervention if a student is being blackmailed, and there is no safe haven for a young person to report when they are in a crisis. Add to this issue the fact that now, some of the students are accessing “nudify” sites and using AI to create “deepfake” images of other students. The victims of “deepfake” images also are victims of digital exploitation and it is a crime to do so. Our first thoughts is that this is a global epidemic as developing countries come online and access our kids. The blackmail can be so extreme, most victims are severely distraught. This is a a somewhat new criminal trend and most school leadership is not prepared to deal with it. During this podcast we review the suggestions from the U.K. educators and outline the challenges for educators.

In August 2024, the Million Kids research team came across an article that discussed a case where five 8th grade boys in a Beverly Hills Middle School were expelled for creating and sharing deep fake nude photos of female classmates. In this situation, the students accessed “nudify” apps and used the software programs to super impose the faces of their classmates on images that were nude or sexual in nature. The article indicates that this case follows a series of similar incidents involving students creating and sharing AI-generated nude photos of their fellow classmates at high schools around the world. The article went on to state that a New Jersey teen victim spoke about her experience in front of federal lawmakers in Washington, DC to advocate for a federal law criminalizing all nonconsensual sexually explicit deep fakes. No such federal law existed. Subsequently, President Donald Trump recently signed a bill proposed by First Lady Melania Trump called the “Take it Down Act” to create federal legislation making it a crime to create a deepfake that depicts an individual’s identity but is altered to create a fake image that is nude or sexual in nature. As our research team began to explore the situation in Beverly Hills, it was noted that the middle school students had accessed "nudify" apps that provided the software to alter real life images and create nudes, sexually explicit or pornographic images. As we researched this situation, we were all surprised to find out that there are 60 such "nudify" websites offering a wide variety of services including super imposing others facial image to anime, pornography and Hentai (anime porn). Many of these sites offer their services globally and make it easy to use and access even for middle school students. Parents, it is important to have a conversation with any young person who has access to the Internet. Share with them that when deepfakes are created, not only is it illegal to do so, it is extremely harmful to those victimized. Now that federal laws are being implemented, the consequences for the offenders using these sites to exploit others could be life altering. It is critical that young people understand that while it may sound like fun, they are also accessing pornographic sites that gather information about the users, and they could expose themselves and their families, to individuals and organizations that will not have their best interest at heart.