Arkansas State Police updates tips, rules for Safer Internet Month
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Arkansas State Police is taking action after seeing a sharp increase in online sextortion cases targeting children.
The commander of the ASP’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force reports the Natural State had 169 sextortion reports in 2024, and here at the mid-point of 2025 it has received 170 reports. Task force officers are encouraging everyone, including children, parents and caregivers, to update their child safety strategies.
Officials said that nationwide, over 19,000 reports of sextortion involving minors are made each year. In comparison, there are only about 350 to 400 child abduction cases by non-family members, and about 1,000 confirmed child sex trafficking cases are reported annually. The most common platforms for this activity are Snapchat and Instagram, they said.
In response, the task force offers these updated rules for children as part of June’s Safer Internet Month:
Old Rule: Don’t talk to strangers in public.
New Rule: Don’t talk to strangers online, even if they seem friendly or say things you like.
Old Rule: Never get into a car with someone you don’t know.
New Rule: Never click on links or accept friend requests from people you don’t really know.
Old Rule: If something feels wrong, find a trusted adult right away.
New Rule: If something feels wrong online, tell a trusted adult immediately.
Old Rule: Don’t share your home address or phone number.
New Rule: Don’t share personal details, such as your school, hometown, or photos, online.
If suspicious online activity or a potential threat is encountered, report it to local law enforcement or the Arkansas State Fusion Center at 501-618-8001.
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