Protect your kids online: ASP issues warning on Safer Internet Day

In 2024, the Arkansas State Police’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigated 169 instances of sextortion. That number has soared in recent years, and is up from only 16 cases investigated in 2020.

The nation recently marked Safer Internet Day 2025 and the Arkansas State Police took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of online safety and provide tips for parents to help their children stay safe and thrive in the digital world.

Sergeant Corwin Battle, Commander of the Arkansas ICAC Task Force, said these perpetrators scout for the most popular children, preying on their social standing for extortion.

With the rise of social media and virtual reality, there are many exciting opportunities to connect with others online. These connections, however, come with risks and challenges. ASP urges parents to warn their children that everything they see online is not as it appears, including the identities of people they meet.

Major Stacie Rhoads, ASP Criminal Investigation Division Commander, said it’s important for parents to know where their kids are, who they are talking to, and what they are curious about.

Some tips the ASP provided include:

-Educate children about online safety and the importance of staying cautious.
-Monitor their children’s online activities and the apps they use.
-Encourage open conversations about internet use and potential risks.

Key Safety Tips
-Set social media accounts to private and disable location sharing.
-Avoid meeting strangers from the internet without verifying their identity.
-Be cautious when sharing or downloading content online.
-Never provide personal information to unknown individuals or in response to unsolicited requests.
-Research apps before downloading, and be aware of their content and privacy settings.

If you encounter suspicious online activity or potential threats: Report to local law enforcement or the Arkansas State Fusion Center at (501) 618-8001.

Contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).

Everyone can contribute to promoting responsible internet use. Open conversations are the best starting point and ongoing dialogue encourages comfortable discussions and helps prevent and respond to online issues. Sharing these tips with friends and family can help raise awareness for a safer internet.

To learn more about a Safer Internet and how you can get involved at https://safer.connectsafely.org.