Protecting Children in a Digital World

“That kind of thing doesn’t happen here.” Every time I hear this phrase, I wince.

One day, while walking home with a friend, we noticed an old truck in an empty parking lot. As we got closer, the engine started, and I saw a man in the driver’s seat watching us closely. Startled, I made eye contact with the driver and the engine quickly stopped. Just as I turned my back to the truck, I heard the engine turn over and my heart began to pound.

I quickly whispered to my friend, “We should probably run.” As we hurried up the street, the truck pulled out of the lot and began following us. The man slowly circled the block as we ran to a nearby home but then quickly drove away when a neighbor pulled over to check on us.

I will never forget recounting the story to a family friend who worked for local law enforcement. He listened intently and explained to me that the crime, gangs, and abuse he saw in our area was some of the worst he’d seen.

But how could that be? Those things didn’t happen in a town like ours. Back then, the dangers we worried about were often physical and visible, but the dangers our children face today look very different.

Children everywhere are being followed, but not in the way we’re accustomed to. There will always be suspicious men looming in empty parking lots, but my real concern is the men and women looming behind screens.

The Internet Changed the Rules

The invention of the internet has brought with it innovation and information that has changed the world, but it has also brought unprecedented dangers, especially for our children. Platforms designed for children, have become a breeding ground for those seeking to abuse and exploit.

Children in yout city are on the same websites and games as children in Chicago or Miami. These days, it doesn’t matter where you live because the internet is everywhere, and so are the individuals who seek to exploit children online.

Today’s predators don’t check ZIP codes before targeting children, and it’s happening right here in our area. In just the past few months, several men have been arrested on charges related to child exploitation.

How Predators Target Children Online

These predators’ tactics are constantly changing and adapting, and so should our efforts to protect our children. A recent study found that victims are often contacted through public chat rooms, social networking sites, and dating sites. Many perpetrators have reported a preference for approaching victims on websites designed for children where they then request to move the conversation to another platform or messaging app. This is an indication of escalation as it builds the relationship and the trust of the child before they ask for exploitive material.

This is happening here, and technology is changing faster than most parents realize, but you are not powerless if you stay engaged!

What Parents Can Do

Today, parental controls are only part of the picture. Even if your child doesn’t have their own phone, kids today are exposed to the internet on their school Chromebooks, their friend’s phones, and on game consoles. Even good kids can be targeted if we aren’t actively engaged in their safety.

The good news is that when parents stay informed and involved, children are far less likely to become victims of these crimes.

Parents can start by regularly reviewing their child’s apps, chats, and friend lists. Additionally, parents should have regular and open-ended conversations about technology use and healthy relationships with their children.

The question isn’t whether children will encounter risk online. The question is if they will be prepared when they do.

If you have questions about how you can keep your children safe online or are having difficulties navigating tech regulation in your home, comment below or schedule a free coaching session through my website! I'd love to chat.

References

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. (2024). 2024 CyberTipline reports by state. https://www.missingkids.org/content/dam/missingkids/pdfs/cybertiplinedata2024/2024-reports-by-state.pdf

Porcelli, C., Anderson, F., & Kloess, J. A. (2026). Unraveling the Complexities of Offender Strategies as Part of Online Sexual Grooming and Technology-Assisted Child Sexual Abuse: A Systematic Review. Trauma, Violence & Abuse, 15248380251411260. https://doi.org/10.1177/15248380251411261

Us Magazine. (n.d.). Idaho police arrest Maryland man connected to 764 sextortion group.https://www.usmagazine.com/crime-news/news/idaho-police-arrest-maryland-man-connected-to-764-sextortion-group/