LITTLE ROCK — As summer ends and schools prepare to reopen, Arkansas State Police (ASP) is reminding parents to be vigilant in identifying and stopping sexual predators who target children through online connections.
This summer, ASP has issued several Missing/Endangered Advisories for missing children and teens, including five Amber Alerts since May. In recent months, multiple Arkansas teens have been lured away by predators they met through online messaging apps.
"The internet provides a type of anonymity that allows people to conceal their true identities or assume false ones. This creates a playground for predators and poses a significant threat to children and teenagers who use the internet," said Major Stacie Rhoads, ASP Criminal Investigation Division commander. "Online predators may attempt to engage kids and teens in sexual conversations or even arrange to meet in person. They may also send explicit material or request that children send pictures of themselves. It is crucial to educate your children about the importance of staying cautious while online."
