Urgent warning to parents over sick predators using ‘Prime giveaways’ to lure kids – how to keep your little ones safe
EXPERTS have revealed how parents can keep their kids safe as sick predators use Prime drinks to lure youngsters.
Children across the UK have been rushing to get their hands on the viral drink, founded by YouTube stars KSI and Logan Paul.
The popular Prime Hydration drink rapidly sold out in stores as huge queues of customers formed, leading to insane online bidding wars.
As youngsters hunt out the elusive drink, parents are being warned predators are using the product to entice kids over the dark web.
Internet proxy experts from Geonode found kids as young as 12 are being targeted after scouring chat room websites.
Analysis also revealed that Google searches around free Prime drink meet-ups had soared a shocking 789 per cent from last month.
Geoff Newiss, director of Action Against Abduction, says parents need to be extra vigilant with their kids’ online activities.
He told The Sun: “Traditionally we’ve always thought about abduction happening outdoors – a man driving round trying to lure a child into a car with the promise of sweets.
“But online forums have really changed the nature of these offences.
“The important thing to remember is that simply warning children about strangers is probably not going to do the job.
“Children go online to meet and connect with people, and the concept of a stranger quickly gets lost, particularly in the face of a powerful lure.
“In the same way as outdoor safety, we suggest that parents use the Clever Never Goes rule.”
Geoff, Clever Never Goes lead developer, shared tips for how parents can stay on top of what their kids are up to online.
He said: “For parents, being able to talk to children about their online lives is key.
“Relaxed, regular conversations about internet use can encourage children to ask when they are unsure about something.
What Parents Can Do to Keep Their Kids Safe Online
- Keep your children’s computer in a common area of the home to monitor their Internet activity
- Check your child’s browser history frequently
- Use security software or tools
- Activate privacy features through your browser or internet service provider
- Know what other computers or devices your child is using
- Know your children’s passwords
- Watch for changes in your child’s behavior that may indicate cyberbullying or contact with an online sexual predator
“If children start being very secretive or get nervous when they receive a notification this could be a warning signal for parents to look further into their children’s online activities.”
Geoff also shared advice for youngsters, adding: “If someone’s trying to get you to meet up with them in person then tell a parent or someone you trust so they can check it out.”
The drink’s popularity grew after YouTube stars Logan Paul and KSI promoted it around high-profile celebrity boxing bouts in the UK.
The duo came up with the idea for coconut water-based Prime Hydration after their final boxing match in 2019.
During a live stream, the pair said they wanted to “rival the biggest companies on earth” with their products – including “Pepsi, Coke, Gatorade and Powerade”.
One of the most recent batches of drinks were available in 11 flavours – including blue raspberry, tropical punch and grape.
The YouTubers claimed that their biggest goals for their collaborative drink were taste and hydration.
According to Logan Paul, 50,000 bottles were sold out within five minutes of being launched online.