WMBCTV: Children Safety of Social Media

89% of sexual advances directed at children occur through internet chat rooms and instant messaging, according to the Child Crime Prevention and Safety Center. They say it’s estimated that half a million online predators are active each day.

“There’s been a dramatic increase in cyber crime particularly involving children,” said Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll. “These are very difficult cases, they’re very emotional and children can be affected for their entire lives.”

That’s the backdrop for a case in Morris County, where an investigation continues on what many fear is another case of predatory conduct by those lurking on social media. Morris County authorities have apprehended an individual as part of the investigation and a judge has ruled to retain the suspect during a pre-trial detention hearing. In this case, authorities say the suspect conversed with children on the internet and they say the individual did intend to meet these children in person. 

“This was a referral we received from Minnesota,” said Morris County Assistant Prosecutor Justin Tellone. “With that, we began our own investigation with one of our own officers from the task force and began a conversation using a 13 year old persona.”

While officials explain that the internet can be a dangerous place for children, they also explain some of the tactics that predators use.

“They will look for children that are vulnerable, they look for ones who may be isolated and they will continue to exploit that and move on from there,” said Tellone. “They use the same tactics of trying to appear likable, comforting to that child at the beginning and gradually introducing them into sexual behavior.”

Officials say that parent involvement plays a key role in keeping children safe.

“Parents should be looking out for signs of their kids having private conversations, wanting to be secretive with their phone,” said Morris County First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood. “Parents need to be letting the child know that they need to be protective of themselves and be safe out there and that the parent is there for them.”

]While this particular case is an ongoing legal matter being investigated, officials also say it’s important for parents to be open and transparent with their children. For parents who suspect their child might be a victim of an online predator, law enforcement officials say to call your local police and report the situation.