News Summary
In response to the rise of online predators targeting children, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has launched ‘Report Don’t Repost: Cyber Predators, Real Risks.’ This new website provides parents with tools, expert advice, and resources, including information in Spanish, to help protect their children in the digital age. The initiative aims to raise awareness about warning signs and promote strong communication between parents and kids, especially in light of alarming statistics regarding child exploitation online.
Phoenix, Arizona – In response to the alarming rise of online predators targeting children, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has launched a new website designed to educate parents on how to protect their children in the digital age. The website, titled “Report Don’t Repost: Cyber Predators, Real Risks,” was announced by Maricopa County Attorney Rachell Mitchell during a press conference on Wednesday.
The new platform offers parents practical tools, current data, and expert advice that are crucial for identifying the tactics used by online predators, as well as recognizing potential red flags. This initiative comes at a time when the statistics around the grooming of children for sexual acts are particularly troubling, with over 546,000 reports made to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) in 2024 alone. This represents a staggering 192% increase from the previous year and a 578% increase from 2022.
The website also features guidance on the do’s and don’ts for parents when approaching encounters with online predators. Parents will find resources available in Spanish, and the site is designed to be regularly updated with the latest information and strategies for child safety. Rachell Mitchell emphasized the importance of empowering parents with the necessary tools to combat the increasing threats posed by online predators, particularly on platforms such as Discord, which has become known as a “predator’s playground.”
With the growing influence of social media on younger populations, research from advocacy group Thorn indicates that 1 in 4 children aged 9 to 12 have had an encounter with a predator seeking nude images. Recognizing the frightening prevalence of these occurrences, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has taken action following recent legislation signed by Governor Katie Hobbs, which has broadened the definition of dangerous crimes against children to include acts like luring minors, even under false pretenses of being an undercover cop.
Despite the availability of technologies designed to help monitor children’s online activities, Mitchell points out that nothing can substitute for building strong relationships with children. Open communication and trust are vital components for ensuring children feel safe discussing their online interactions. Additionally, the website suggests that should a parent or guardian encounter suspicious online behavior, it is crucial to report it to law enforcement instead of taking matters into their own hands.
Compounding the concerns surrounding child safety online, recent incidents have emerged in which local teens, influenced by social media apps such as Instagram and TikTok, attempted to conduct their own “catch a predator” investigations. Scottsdale Police reported that these attempts often resulted in dangerous situations, including high-speed chases and altercations that could have serious repercussions for the teens involved. According to Sergeant Allison Sempis from the Scottsdale Police, these teen-led investigations can escalate rapidly without leading to successful prosecutions.
In light of these developments, it is critical for parents and guardians to utilize the resources available on the newly launched website, “Report Don’t Repost: Cyber Predators, Real Risks.” By educating themselves on the tactics used by online predators and adopting proactive measures to protect their children, parents can play a decisive role in enhancing the safety of their kids in the ever-evolving digital landscape. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office remains committed to supporting families in safeguarding their children from the threats posed by online predators and ensuring that every child has a safer online experience.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- KTAR News
- Hoodline
- 12 News
- InMaricopa
- Fox 10 Phoenix
- Wikipedia: Online Predator
- Google Search: Online Predators Statistics
- Google Scholar: Online Predator Prevention
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Online Predator
- Google News: Online Predator
