Last year, 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.
Safer Internet Day 2025 was held last Tuesday, 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.
Arkansas ICAC Task Force Commander Sergeant Corwin Battle says these perpetrators scout for the most popular children, preying on their social standing for extortion.
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With the rise of social media and virtual reality, there are several opportunities to connect with others online, but these connections come with risks and challenges. The state police urges parents to warn their children that everything they see online is not as it appears, including the identities of people they meet.
Criminal Investigation Division Commander Major Stacie Rhoads stresses the importance for parents to know where their kids are, who they are communicating with and what they are curious about.
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The state police encourages parents to educate children about online safety and the importance of staying cautious, monitor their children’s online activities and the apps they use and encourage open conversations about internet use and potential risks.
Other safety tips provided by the state police include:
-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.
Those encountering suspicious online activity or potential threats should report to local law enforcement or the Arkansas State Fusion Center at 501-618-8001. For anyone needing to contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the number is 800-THE-LOST (800-843-5678).
To learn more, visit safer.connectsafely.org.
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