Police warn parents about streaming app after obscene video sent to 11-year-old girl
Hingham police warned parents Tuesday about a popular live streaming app after a resident reported her daughter was sent an obscene video.
The 11-year-old was using the app YouNow on May 4 when she received a message that a follower had sent her a video, according to a police statement.
Police said the girl saw that the account followed other girls her age, so she assumed it was a friend or another girl her age. When she opened the video she saw a white male with a “big stomach” before the camera panned lower, showing the man “touching himself in an obscene manner,” according to police.
By the time the girl’s mother arrived at the police station the same day, the man had unfollowed her daughter so police could not see the video or his username. The girl’s family has reported the incident to YouNow, according to police.
“Her daughter was unable to recall the user name because it contained various letters and numbers,” police said. “It is clear that this male is seeking out girls by creating a profile that makes him appear to be a young girl. This is typical predator behavior.”
Police warned parents this type of incident could occur on any similar app or social media platform.
“New apps are constantly being released so parents should be familiar with what apps their children are using and how they work,” police said. “We suggest talking to your children about the app and others that they like. They may be happy to explain how they work.”
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