By: the Dakota Children’s Advocacy Center
The PEW Research Center released a recent study that 95% of teens have access to a smartphone, and six-in-ten say they use social platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, or Snapchat. Yet, only half of parents admit to checking their children’s devices for safety. With so many teens online and parents often unaware of the risks, children can become easy targets for offenders. Online Enticement is when someone communicates with a child online under the guise of being a child. Among many other risks, this can lead to sextortion, where a child is pressured into sharing sexual images, sexual conversations, or meeting in person. Caregivers must have ongoing, age-appropriate conversations, set parental controls, and regularly monitor children’s online activity.
Know the Facts
The first step in protection is understanding risks and how offenders reach children:
- What apps/games are being used, and what are their risks?
- Are location features turned off?
- Do youth-serving organizations have and enforce safe communication policies?
Talk About It
Just like you’d set expectations for visiting a friend’s house, set ground rules for being online. Discuss scenarios that may occur and how your child should respond. Keep communication open so that children know they can talk to you at any time.
Set Ground Rules
Parental controls and time limits are helpful starting points; however, it is also essential to have discussions about the dangers of engaging with strangers online. Tell children never to share identifiable information, photos, or videos online. Additionally, discuss what to do if someone exhibits red flag behavior online.
Red Flag Behaviors
- Engaging in sexual conversation
- Sending or requesting explicit images
- Requests to meet up
- “Love bombing” through constant praise and attention
Frequent Check-Ins
Children may not come forward on their own. Review apps, games, and sites before they’re used, paying close attention to those with encryption, direct messaging, file sharing, or anonymity—tools commonly used by online offenders. By combining vigilance, communication, and clear rules, caregivers can reduce risks and help children navigate the digital world safely.
The following websites offer information, tips, and next steps if caregivers notice anything suspicious or have questions.