Dear John,

Shared Hope International is celebrating today. Our voice was heard, and so was yours.

The Kik chat app, alleged to harbor child predators, is shutting down.

As reported by CBS News, the chat app was linked to more than 1,100 child sexual abuse cases, and held a notorious reputation as a destination for child sexual exploitation. 

Our staff experienced this predatory behavior first hand on Kik. While researching popular apps for our Internet Safety program, our staff member who posed as a 15-year-old female was sexually solicited within minutes of joining the app. She was targeted by adult males, decades older. These incidents were reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and are now being investigated by local law enforcement in several communities across the US. 

(image is screenshot taken by Shared Hope staff researcher)

Because of this terrifying experience, we created a resource that explores the dangers of the most popular apps used by children and teens. Our goal is to get this information in the hands of as many people as possible - to raise awareness of predatory grooming and safe technology use. We will keep fighting and raising our voice until every child is safe.

Will you help us continue this important work? Your support helps our efforts to shut down demand for sex with children and safeguard the kids in your life from the dangers of apps like Kik. 

Thank you for your support. We look forward to sharing many more victories in our collective fight to end child sex trafficking - together.

So long, Kik. You won't be missed!

Marissa Gunther, MSW
Director of Growth Strategies
Shared Hope International