February 11, 2025
In 2024, 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.
Because today is Safer Internet Day 2025, ASP is taking 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.
“The task force receives around 6,000 tips a year. Each of the 169 sextortion cases the task force worked in 2024 revolved around boys. These perpetrators scout for the most popular children, preying on their social standing for extortion,” said Sergeant Corwin Battle, Commander of the Arkansas ICAC Task Force. “They employ fear, threatening to unleash private conversations and intimate pictures to the entire school if their demands aren’t met promptly. Parents must engage in dialogues with their children from an early age, creating a safe space where kids feel comfortable sharing their concerns and fears, ensuring they don’t have to face such battles alone.”
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.
“The internet is right there in the palm of our children’s hands, and often parents don’t know where the internet has taken their child,” said Major Stacie Rhoads, ASP Criminal Investigation Division Commander. “It’s important for parents to know where their kids are, who they are talking to, and what they are curious about.”
Maj. Rhoads reminds parents to discuss the dangers of sharing or downloading content. “Everything creates a digital footprint. Think twice before posting anything, and avoid sharing content you wouldn’t say in person,” she said. “Remember, anything posted online can be screenshotted and manipulated. The best way to keep your personal information safe is to avoid sharing it. Once something is posted online, it remains indefinitely and may fall into the wrong hands. We are reminding parents to be vigilant in identifying and stopping sexual predators who target children through online connections.”
Parents should:
- 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 Safer Internet Day.
Follow #SaferInternetDay and #SID2025 on social media to learn more about Safer Internet Day and how you can get involved at https://safer.connectsafely.org.