Tri-Cities, WA-
Safer Internet Day is next week which focuses on protecting youth online.
The Southeast Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, or SER-ICAC, works to prosecute individuals who commit crimes against children.
In 2022 in the Tri-Cities region alone, the task force received 15 cyber tips, meaning illegal activity on a device was flagged due to things such as use of inappropriate language or pornography, as well as 9 suspects that were sentenced.
With hours of screen time and a revolving door of new apps, it can be hard to set enough security phone parameters, which is why task force experts tell us having those difficult talks and a good rapport with children is crucial.
“So setting those parameters up is a big deal, right, and that’s your first safeguard, and I’d say your second is having that rapport. So again, having those conversations, sitting down, and maybe even making yourself aware of what can be done on those apps and where they can go to maybe get themselves in trouble will be helpful. So if you see that and you look over their shoulder and something’s alarming, you see that red flag, you can stop it right then and there,” said Claire Venema, the Community Relations Specialist and Public Information Officer for Richland Police Department.
Venema also says preserving any evidence such as images or message chains is important so that a case can be built if needed.
Tyler Fields is your internet guru, delving into the latest trends, developments, and issues shaping the online world. With a focus on internet culture, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies, Tyler keeps readers informed about the dynamic landscape of the internet and its impact on our digital lives.
