in Arkansas, federal law enforcement say they have seen an alarming increase in the number of cybercrimes targeting children online. As Nathan Treece with Little Rock Public Radio reports, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Little Rock recently released a public service announcement to take steps to safeguard their children online. The Arkansas Democrat Gazette says the FBI encourages parent to implement parental controls on their children’s devices, and to have frank, open conversations with their children about online safety.
If you know anyone whose child is a victim, contact the local FBI field office by calling 1-800-CALLFBI (1-800-225-5324), or report it online at tips.fbi.gov. Officials say it is important to reassure a child they are not the one who broke the law.
Parents are also advised to preserve evidence including screenshots, names, phone numbers, and usernames, which may help investigators find the offender. Another tip involves the use of social media reporting and safety mechanisms to report the perpetrator. Also, the FBI strongly urges never to comply with the perpetrators demands. That rarely stops the harassment.
