Concerns about the safety of children on the internet have drastically increased as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) reported over half a million incidents of suspected online predators attempting to lure minors in 2024. This number represents an alarming near 600% spike in just two years. These predators often employ grooming tactics on platforms many children frequent, such as gaming and social media sites, to establish a false sense of trust before making inappropriate advances.
In the wake of these disturbing trends, advocacy group Thorn has revealed statistics that cannot, and should not, be ignored. They report that 40% of minors have experienced attempts at manipulation online, with about 1 in 4 children, specifically between the ages of 9 and 12, having been asked to send nude photos by strangers. In a case recently prosecuted, the exchange of thousands of messages on apps like Discord between a predator and a child underscored the urgency of rigorous oversight and prevention.
To confront this threat head-on, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell unveiled the "Report Don’t Repost: Cyber Predators, Real Risks" initiative during a news conference. This initiative provides a suite of resources designed to inform parents about the dangers of online predators and how to protect their children. As stated by County Attorney Mitchell, "These dangers are very real and happen daily. These predators are relentless and won't stop until they have what they want," as noted by the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. She emphasized the importance of parents building strong relationships with their kids, engaging in difficult conversations, and regularly monitoring their children's online presence.
