As students prepare to head back to school, authorities are urging families to prioritize online safety. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, over 36 million reports of child exploitation were made to its cyber tip line last year.
Texarkana Police Officer Shawn Vaughn is visiting schools to raise awareness about online abuse, warning that one in five children face unwanted sexual solicitations online. He emphasized the importance of open communication between parents and children. “We need to tell our kids about the dangers online,” Vaughn said. “Predators can easily exploit kids, and parents may not even know.”
Officer Kristen Schultz of Texarkana, Arkansas, echoed the need for vigilance. She advised parents to monitor their children’s social media and set clear rules about online interactions. “Always be in open communication and know who your child is talking to,” Schultz said.
Parents like Samantha Knox are taking proactive steps to protect their kids. Knox has safeguards on her daughters’ phones and maintains clear rules about online behavior. “When you have open communication, your kids know they can come to you if something feels wrong,” she said.
Authorities remind parents to report any suspicious online activity to the cyber tip line at 1-800-843-5678.
