GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) — The Gainesville Police Department held a news conference on Tuesday warning parents and the community about online threats that target children using social media and other platforms.
Officials said one growing threat is “sextortion,” where a child is convinced to send an image, and that image is then used to threaten or extort them.
“If a student is seeing something they don’t feel is right, they certainly tell a teacher, tell their parents, and they should find the right way to immediately tell law enforcement. That’s really important for parents. Once you become aware of something, don’t delete that stuff. Keep it,” said Matthew Riser, an FBI agent.
Officials said they have seen AI used to create images and alter voices.
They said the impact on children can go well beyond the threat itself, including serious emotional and mental strain, causing some children to end their lives.
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Officials tell parents to keep an eye on their children’s devices and who they’re communicating with. One parent of two said keeping an eye on their children while they use devices is key.
“Me and my daughter have talked about the importance and the dangers that come with social media. Unfortunately, we’re in times where we relied on a lot more than it used to be when I was growing up, so we have discussions, and I do have apps that she can use under my name. That way I can patrol the conversation and what she’s searching for online,” said Scherhonda Parker-Lewis, a parent.
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