The conversation about social media every parent needs to have | #childpredator | #kidsaftey | #childsaftey

As Midland County Sheriff, I have taken an oath to protect and serve our community. 

That responsibility extends beyond responding to crimes after they occur. It requires us to recognize emerging threats, educate our residents, and work together to prevent harm before it happens.

A challenge facing families today is a threat that does not always have a visible presence in our neighborhoods. It can enter our homes quietly, fit in the palm of a child’s hand, and appear harmless at first glance.

It is the misuse of social media by minors.

Social media has changed the way we communicate. It allows our children to learn, create, build friendships, and share experiences with others around the world.

When used responsibly, technology can be a valuable tool.

However, as a law enforcement agency, the Midland County Sheriff’s Office has also seen the dangers that can come when children enter the online world without proper guidance, boundaries, and awareness.

Criminals are increasingly using social media platforms to target young people.

Predators create fake accounts, pretend to be someone they are not, and slowly build trust with children. They take advantage of a child’s natural desire for acceptance and friendship. What may appear to be an innocent online conversation can quickly become manipulation, exploitation, or a dangerous situation.

One of the most concerning crimes we continue to see nationwide is sextortion. In these cases, offenders deceive or pressure minors into sharing private images and then use threats and intimidation to control or bribe them.

Children need to understand that if they find themselves in this situation, they should immediately tell a trusted adult and contact law enforcement. They are victims, not criminals.

The risks of social media also extend beyond criminal activity. Cyberbullying, online harassment, and the pressure to seek approval through likes, comments, and followers can have a serious impact on a young person’s confidence and mental health. Many children are still developing the ability to understand consequences, yet social media often creates permanent records of decisions made during moments of immaturity.

In Midland County, our School Resource Deputies regularly work with schools and students to address these challenges. Prevention and education are among our most important tools. We must have conversations, provide resources, and help parents and children understand how to safely navigate an increasingly connected world.

Parents play a critical role in protecting their children online.

Know what apps your children are using. Understand the privacy settings including location settings. Ask questions about who they communicate with and what they are experiencing online. Establish expectations before allowing access to social media.

Most importantly, create an environment where your child knows they can come to you when something feels wrong.

Children should be reminded of several important lessons: people online are not always who they claim to be, private information should remain private, images and messages shared online can last forever, and if something online makes them uncomfortable, they should stop communicating and tell an adult.

The Midland County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to protecting our children through enforcement, education, and partnerships. Our role is not only to respond when a crime occurs but to help prevent those crimes from happening in the first place.

Keeping children safe has always required communities to adapt to new challenges.

Previous generations taught children about the dangers they might encounter outside the home. Today, we must also teach them about the dangers they may encounter through a screen.

Technology is not the enemy. The goal is not to eliminate social media, but to ensure our children have the knowledge, support, and supervision necessary to use it safely.

Protecting Midland County’s children is a responsibility we all share.

As your Sheriff, I ask every parent to take an active role in your child’s digital life.

The conversation you have today may prevent a tragedy tomorrow.