In this eye-opening episode, I discuss Meta's platforms and their impact on young users' safety and wellbeing. Despite public messaging about prioritizing safety, internal research and whistleblower testimonies reveal alarming gaps in protection that expose children to sexual predators, harmful content, and dangerous interactions. I examine Meta's business decisions when faced with implementing life-saving safety features, how their algorithms can create harmful content "bubbles," and most importantly, what parents and advocates can do to demand accountability and change!

Key Takeaways with Timestamps

[00:00] Introduction

• The reality behind Meta's safety promises
• The personal impact on families and young users

[04:15] The Statistics vs. Public Messaging

• Internal research findings Meta tried to hide
• Disturbing statistics about unwanted sexual advances and discrimination

[10:30] Real-World Consequences

• Stories of suicide following online harassment
• Impact on mental health, eating disorders, and substance abuse

[17:45] The Algorithmic Problem

• How engagement-focused algorithms promote harmful content
• Meta's research on content "bubbles" and escalating harm

[23:30] Predator Playground

• Internal acknowledgments of safety gaps
• Results of investigations and test accounts

[32:15] Profit Over Protection

• Business decisions that prioritized engagement over safety
• Rejected safety features that could save lives

[40:00] Taking Action as Parents and Citizens

• The multi-organization petition to Mark Zuckerberg
• Three key demands for platform safety

[48:30] What Parents Can Do Now

• Immediate steps to protect your children online
• Resources for families affected by online harm

[54:45] Final Thoughts & Call to Action

• How to support the Design It For Us campaign
• Resources for those affected by online harassment

Instagram is Full of Openly Available AI Generated Child Abuse Content: Pulitzer Center Article

SIGN THE PETITION HERE!!!

Online Safety Resources:

Child Online Protection Resources:

• https://www.commonsensemedia.org/privacy-and-online-safety
• https://www.connectsafely.org/resources-for-parents/

Mental Health Support:

• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/sg-youth-mental-health-social-media-advisory.pdf

Report Online Exploitation:

• National Center for Missing & Exploited Children CyberTipline: https://report.cybertip.org/
• FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: https://www.ic3.gov

Parent Education:

• https://www.waituntil8th.org/
• https://digitalwellnesslab.org/

The Cost of Silence: The Le Scouarnec Case [Part 2]

Rosalia Rivera

Mié Kohiyama

58:44

March 16, 2025

In this powerful continuation of The Cost of Silence, we dive deeper into the horrifying case of Joël Le Scouarnec, one of France’s most prolific child sex abusers. Joining us is Mié Kohiyama, a French journalist, survivor, and leading activist in the fight against child sexual violence.

Mié shares her groundbreaking legal battle that challenged France’s statute of limitations laws, revealing how institutional silence allows abuse to persist for decades. We also explore the shocking judicial failures that enabled Le Scouarnec’s crimes, the devastating impact of repressed memory on survivors, and the urgent need for systemic change.

This episode is a call to action—for justice, reform, and survivor advocacy.

Trigger Warning: This discussion contains references to child sexual abuse, repressed memory, and institutional failures. Please prioritize your well-being and use the provided resources if needed.

[00:00] Introduction

• Recap of Part 1 and why this case matters
• Introducing guest Mié Kohiyama

[03:15] Mié Kohiyama’s Story

• Her personal experience with abuse and repressed memory
• Legal battle against France’s statute of limitations

[08:42] Statute of Limitations & Justice Delayed

• Why survivors struggle to seek justice
• The need for legal reform in cases of child sexual abuse

[15:30] Judicial & Institutional Failures

• How France’s legal system failed to protect victims
• The role of hospitals, law enforcement, and courts in enabling abuse

[21:10] CSAM & Digital Exploitation

• Why child sexual abuse material (CSAM) isn’t taken seriously enough
• How law enforcement overlooked Le Scouarnec’s early offenses

[27:45] The Trauma of Discovery

• The impact of repressed memories on survivors
• How victims were retraumatized by law enforcement’s handling of the case

[33:20] Family & Institutional Silence

• Why families protect perpetrators over victims
• The role of cultural attitudes and systemic cover-ups

[40:00] The Urgent Need for Reform

• Abolishing statutes of limitations for child sex crimes
• Educating institutions on trauma-informed approaches

[46:55] Call to Action

• How listeners can support survivors and advocate for change
• Resources for survivors and allies

About Mié Kohiyama:

Mié Kohiyama is a French-trained journalist and a dedicated child rights activist with over a decade of advocacy experience. As a survivor of child sexual violence (CSV), she made history as the first survivor in France to appeal to the Supreme Court on the issue of the statute of limitations and repressed memory.

Since then, she has been a key figure in the collective movement to end CSV in France. Her activism contributed to major legal victories, including the establishment of a legal age of consent in France and the extension of the statute of limitations for sexual crimes against minors to 48 years. However, the fight to abolish these limitations entirely is still ongoing.

Mié is also the author of Le Petit Vélo Blanc, written under the pseudonym Cécile B, in which she shares her journey as a survivor and activist. In 2022, she joined the Brave Movement and now serves as an executive member.

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/miekohiyama
• X: x.com/MiKohiyama
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mie-kohiyama

Survivor Resources:

Global Help Lines:

• https://www.bravemovement.org/get-help

U.S. Healing Resources + Survivor Support:

• https://metoomvmt.org/explore-healing/
• https://metoomvmt.org/how-can-we-help-you/

U.S. Victims Advocacy

• https://trynova.org/

About Child Trauma

• https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/about-child-trauma

Host: Rosalia Rivera
Duration: 18:22
Release Date: March 16, 2025

Episode Summary

In this gripping episode, we dive into the harrowing case of surgeon Joël Le Scouarnec, one of France’s most notorious serial child sex abusers. His decades-long history of abuse was shrouded in silence, concealed by institutions that failed to act. We examine the systemic failures that enabled his crimes, the courageous survivors who broke their silence, and the larger implications for child protection laws and medical accountability.

Through expert insights and survivor testimonies, this episode sheds light on how abuse thrives in secrecy—and what must change to prevent future tragedies.

Key Takeaways with Timestamps

[00:00] Introduction

• Overview of the case and its significance
• Why this story needs to be told

[03:15] Who Was Joël Le Scouarnec?

• Background on the surgeon
• His career and how he gained access to victims

[08:42] The First Red Flags: Early Complaints Ignored

• Accounts of early warning signs
• How institutions protected him instead of victims

[15:30] The Victims Speak Out

• The first survivor to break the silence
• How others came forward and the impact of their testimonies

[21:10] The Investigation Unfolds

• How police uncovered the shocking extent of his crimes
• The discovery of his private journals and what they revealed

[27:45] The Trial and Verdict

• What happened in court
• The justice survivors received—and what was left unanswered

[33:20] Institutional Silence: How Systems Enable Abuse

• Why hospitals and institutions failed to act
• The larger implications for medical and legal accountability

[40:00] What Needs to Change?

• Policy changes that could prevent similar cases
• The role of public awareness and survivor advocacy

[46:55] Final Thoughts & Call to Action

• How listeners can support survivors
• Resources for those affected by abuse

Survivor Resources:

Global Help Lines:

• https://www.bravemovement.org/get-help

U.S. Healing Resources + Survivor Support:

• https://metoomvmt.org/explore-healing/
• https://metoomvmt.org/how-can-we-help-you/

U.S. Victims Advocacy

• https://trynova.org/

About Child Trauma

• https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/about-child-trauma

Host: Rosalia Rivera

Guest: Anna Sonoda, licensed clinical social worker and author of Duck Duck Groom: Understanding How a Child Becomes a Target

Duration: 50:04

Release Date: February 12, 2025

[00:00] Welcome & Introduction
I introduce my guest, Anna Sonoda, and share why her book, Duck Duck Groom, is an essential read for parents.

[02:22] Anna’s Background & How She Started This Work
Anna talks about her journey as a clinical social worker and what led her to work with sex offenders. She explains how sitting face-to-face with offenders gave her insights into their thought processes and behaviors.

[04:34] What Grooming Really Looks Like
Anna breaks down the four stages of grooming—flattery, favoritism, forbidden fruits, and fear—and explains why most predators don’t fit the "creepy stranger" stereotype.

[07:11] The Limitations of the Sex Offender Registry
We discuss why relying on the sex offender registry isn’t enough and why most predators never end up on it.

[12:31] How Groomers Target Parents First
Predators don’t just groom children—they groom adults too. Anna explains the tactics offenders use to build trust with caregivers to gain access to kids.

[20:13] How Offenders Groom Entire Communities
We talk about the ways predators manipulate entire social circles, making it difficult for people to believe allegations when they arise.

[26:55] Red Flags & Early Warning Signs
Anna shares key behaviors to watch for, both in adults and children, that could indicate grooming.

[32:46] The Power of Showing Up
We discuss why parental presence is one of the strongest protective factors against abuse and why being the “unpredictable parent” can deter predators.

[36:08] Peer-on-Peer Abuse is Rising—Here’s What You Need to Know
Anna highlights the alarming rise in peer-on-peer abuse and how easy access to pornography is shaping harmful behaviors among kids.

[41:44] How to Talk to Kids About Grooming & Body Safety
We go over practical ways to start age-appropriate conversations with kids about staying safe, recognizing red flags, and setting boundaries.

[46:34] Where to Find Anna’s Book & Final Thoughts
Anna shares where listeners can find Duck Duck Groom and her additional resources for parents and survivors.

Anna Sonoda's Book:

• Duck Duck Groom: Understanding How a Child Becomes a Target is available on Amazon.

Anna Sonoda's Website:

• For more resources and information, visit Anna Sonoda's official website.

Additional Resources:

• Anna has been featured in various interviews and podcasts discussing child safety and grooming prevention. You can find these appearances on her "Listen and Watch Here" page.

annasonoda.com

annasonoda.com

amazon.com

Links mentioned in this episode:

BARK Technologies

Titania Jordan on Instagram

About Titania Jordan:

Titania Jordan is the Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Parent Officer of Bark Technologies, an online safety company that helps keep kids safe online and in real life.

A renowned thought leader on digital parenting, Titania has contributed to pieces in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Huffington Post, Fox Business, Daily Mail, USA Today, Vogue, and more. Her first book, Parenting in a Tech World, was published in 2020 and quickly became a bestseller on Amazon. Titania was also featured in the 2020 documentary Childhood 2.0. She also frequently appears as a subject matter expert on nationally broadcasted programs such as the TODAY Show, Steve Harvey, The Doctors, CBS This Morning, Good Morning America, Fox News, Sirius XM Radio, and CNBC.

In 2017, Titania founded a Facebook group where parents could come together and get advice on raising kids in the digital age, share stories, and learn the latest news about social media. It now has more than 300,000 members and is growing rapidly.

One of her favorite childhood memories is her dad asking her to “figure out this new computer thing” (i.e., read the Microsoft Windows 3.0 user manual) in the early ‘90s and later teaching him to navigate the wild west of the early internet that would eventually turn into the online world we know today.

When she’s not busy trying to make the world a safer place for kids, Titania enjoys painting with her son.

For the latest news regarding parenting in a tech world, you can follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and yes, TikTok as well. For a link to Titania’s recent media appearances, visit Bark in the News.

Here are the links from the show:

• Take Action link (emails to Apple and the petition): https://protectchildrennotabuse.org/take-action/ 
• Follow and Engage with the HEAT Initiative (and sign up for their newsletter)
  • Heat Website
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
• THORN blog explaining KOSA (Kids Online Safety Act)

The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) is an organization based in the United Kingdom that works to combat the distribution of online child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and other illegal content. Established in 1996, the IWF operates as an independent, self-regulatory body supported by the internet industry, law enforcement agencies, and the government.

The main objective of the IWF is to minimize the availability of CSAM on the internet and protect children from online exploitation. They achieve this by actively searching for and removing illegal content hosted on websites worldwide. When the IWF identifies explicit or abusive material, they work closely with internet service providers (ISPs) to have the content blocked or taken down.

The IWF also operates a hotline that allows members of the public to report suspected instances of CSAM found online. These reports are assessed by the IWF's analysts, who then take appropriate action to have the illegal content removed and ensure that the relevant authorities are notified.

Additionally, the IWF plays a vital role in providing support and guidance to internet industry partners, helping them establish policies and practices to prevent the distribution of illegal content on their platforms. They collaborate with law enforcement agencies both nationally and internationally, sharing information and intelligence to aid in investigations and prosecution of offenders.

Learn more about the foundation here.

Read the blog post I review in the episode here.

This episode was brought to you by CONSENTparenting. 

Learn more about CONSENTparenting here.

TIME STAMPS:

Introduction of the episode. (0:00)

The Internet Watch Foundation’s report. (2:02)

What are the categories of indecent images? (3:44)

Explaining the definition of child sexual abuse. (6:08)

The results of the investigation. (10:44)

What objects were being used for penetration? (12:03)

A global crisis of our era. (14:06)

Is child sexual abuse on the rise? (18:02)

The rise of online abuse. (19:57)

What is online safety? (22:15)

Jane, Hope and Maria, along with Brandy Black and Fiona Ward joined forces to create the non profit organization 5waves.org to help other families affected by SSA.

In this episode, we talked about:

• The prevalence of child sexual abuse in the home
• Why this type of abuse is so often NOT discovered
• Acknowledging those who have been harmed
• The stigma of disclosing a child’s abuse
• The importance of communication
• Hope’s story of discovering the abuse between her children
• The challenges of finding help and information
• How children determine what’s inappropriate/unsafe
• The importance of teaching body safety and specifics
• Vigilance and conversations in the home
• What are the next steps if abuse is discovered
• The emotional toll on all family members
• The need for therapy and treatment for children & parents
• How to get support as a parent when people judge you

Learn more about 5 Waves and other organizations working together to fight this issue.

• www.siblingsexualtrauma.com
• www.5waves.org
• www.siblingstoo.com
• www.ssarc.co.uk/
• Parents Coping With Sibling Sexual Abuse and Trauma https://www.facebook.com/groups/siblingtrauma
• Peer Support Group For Survivors of Childhood Sibling Sexual Abuse https://www.facebook.com/groups/646423866554980

Social Media Links:

5WAVES IG: https://www.instagram.com/5wavesorg/

Maria IG: https://www.instagram.com/mariasocolofauthor/

Hope IG: https://www.instagram.com/hopesittler/

Jane IG:https://www.instagram.com/jane_complicatedcourage/

This episode was brought to you by CONSENTparenting™

Learn more at consentparenting.com

“CONTENT WARNING” AND “TRIGGER WARNING.”

Erin Merryn joins me to talk about Erin's Law that mandates schools to provide body safety education for grades K-12 in the United States. 38 states have passed the law and in this episode we talk about why she became a champion for schools to teach this education and what the results have been since passing the law in those states. She shares her own personal story of survival, and leadership.

Time Stamps:

0:02 Intro 

2:30 What Is Erin's Law

7:10 Erin's Story of Abuse

9:33 Erin's diary as an outlet for anger

14:13 When predators are getting away with abusing one child

16:45 Children's advocacy centers

23:20 What did his sister do?

30:14 Erin's Law in Ohio

33:26 What's the fear of Planned Parenthood

38:16 What can parents do to advocate for this law

41:18 The importance of writing a letter to your legislator

46:53 Principals' lunch buddies program

49:56 If the law is not passed, this is what needs to be talked about in schools

56:24 What parents can do to reduce the risk of sexual abuse

Links Mentioned:

Erin's Law Website

Erin Merryn's Website

Erin

This episode was brought to you by CONSENTparenting™

Learn more at consentparenting.com