With more kids at home during pandemic, FBI warns of increased risk of child exploitation
LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — With students across the country studying from home during the coronavirus outbreak, the FBI is warning parents about the increased risk of online child exploitation.
Cell phones, iPads, laptops, and even gaming systems are keeping children busy at home during stay-at-home orders.
Yet, all of these tools give predators better access to kids.
"It is a huge concern, with the amount of online activity that kids are being offered at this point," said Daniele Staple, executive director of the Rape Crisis Center.
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Children can be lured in by online predators at any given time.
"Offenders, they seek victims on one or more chat platforms," said Sandy Breault, public affairs officer for the FBI Las Vegas field office. "They communicate with them. Then they try to communicate on a video platform to live stream or chat."
With more kids stuck at home while we wait out the coronavirus, there is more opportunity for cyber offenders to take advantage.
"You know anyone can present themselves any way they want," said Staple. "It doesn't necessarily mean it's true. And so, especially during this time, be vigilant. Only connect with people online that they know for sure."
Local organizations encourage parents to be involved to prevent child exploitation and even worse situations like trafficking.
"Every single company has a parental control system in place," said Margarita Edwards, executive director for Nevada Child Seekers. "Just call them or Youtube, but definitely activate it, especially during this time of quarantine."
"Turn off any geolocations related to phones, cameras, you know, anything like that so that the photos aren't linked to the physical location where you are," said Staple.
The FBI also wants children to know they won't get in trouble if they come forward for sending sexually explicit content if they are compelled or coerced to do so.
"They are not to blame if they fall victim to a predator," said Breault. "These predators are smart and patient, and they're masters at manipulating children."
"They could be being manipulated," said Edwards. "They could be participating in some dangerous activity. They could be agreeing to meet up with somebody later."
