WASHINGTON ( NEWS.ORG ) — Recent data from The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children reveals a concerning surge in reports of child online exploitation. Last year alone, the Cyber Tipline received over 36 million reports, marking a 12% increase from previous years.

Experts Raise Concerns

Scott White, Director of the Cybersecurity Program at George Washington University, warns of the inevitability of predators exploiting online platforms to target children. With evolving technology, combating this issue becomes increasingly challenging.

Fighting Back: Lisa Hansen’s Initiative

Lisa Hansen, CEO and Founder of Mothers Against Child Exploitation and Power Over Predators, is spearheading efforts to address this growing problem. As a mother and grandmother, she’s deeply invested in protecting children from both in-person and online abuse.

Identifying Predators Online

Hansen highlights the alarming presence of approximately 500,000 child predators online at any given time. These predators utilize social media platforms and artificial intelligence to groom potential victims by exploiting trust.

Empowering Parents and Children

To combat online exploitation, experts emphasize the importance of proactive parental involvement. Betsy Brantner Smith, a spokesperson for The National Police Association, advocates for monitoring services to ensure children’s online safety.

Education and Awareness

Hansen stresses the need for educating both parents and children about manipulation tactics used by predators. By fostering open communication and teaching children to recognize manipulation, families can establish safer online practices.

Conclusion: Safeguarding Our Children Online

As reports of online child exploitation continue to rise, it’s imperative for parents and communities to take proactive measures. Through education, vigilance, and technological solutions, we can work towards a safer online environment for children.

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