Cell Phone

As Christmas approaches, parents around the country will be making the decision to give their children some type of mobile phone or other smart device for the holidays.

However, law enforcement agencies around the country are asking parents want to exercise caution when allowing children to use smart devices due to increasing instances of sexual predators using the technology to find their next victims.

“Predators will frequent places where children are present,” said Julie Kindle of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI). “Studies estimate 97 percent of all youth are using the Internet – almost half of which are accessing it from their own cell phones. Predators are aware of this, so naturally they will also spend time on the social media platforms and mobile apps kids frequent.”

According to the OSBI, there were more than 800 instances in 2014 in which Oklahoma parents contacted the cyber tip line to report cases of possible predators either making contact with their children or worse. Since 2011, those numbers have risen each year, according to the OSBI.

“It is important to know not all cases of child sexual exploitation are reported,” Kindle said. “An estimated 60 percent of kids who are exposed to unwanted sexual content online do not report the incident. The reasons for non-disclosure vary from children thinking the incident wasn’t serious or unlawful, being too embarrassed to disclose, to not knowing exactly how to report the issue.”

Parents such as Braedon Cagle (Kansas) know many of the dangers associated with children having their own phones. But that didn’t stop him from giving his kid one.

“We gave our daughter a cell phone in fifth grade because pretty much everyone else in her grade had one at that point,” Cagle said. “She’s in seventh now. Some started getting them as early as second and third. Although there benefits to being able to track down your kiddos down via texting or even using the find my iPhone app, there are also a lot of pitfalls as well. iPhone addiction is real. Just look around at everyone one them. And predators on the Internet are no joke either. That’s not to mention cyber bullying on group texts and social media.”

According to Kindle, 20 percent of kids ages 6-9; 60 percent of kids ages 10-14; and 84 percent of kids ages 15-18 have cell phones.

“While obviously cell phones continue to be a growing trend, it is important for parents and kids to realize any device that has internet connectivity or the ability to communicate with others can put a child at risk,” Kindle said. “For example, parents may think their nine year old is too young to have a cell phone or simply does not need one; however, they see little-to-no risk with the same child playing on gaming systems, such as Wiis, Playstations, Xboxes, etc. This sense of false security can be dangerous. The risk is present in these devices due to the fact many are connected to the Internet and involve multiple players from across the globe and provide the ability to communicate.”

The Oklahoma Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force recently sent out a release with three tips they are hoping parents take heed before buying their children a smart device.

– Monitor your child’s usage of electronic devices such as cell phones, tablets, readers, web cams, and laptops, as well as their usage of apps, games, and social media accounts. It is not a good idea to allow this usage to be private. Instead, children should use these in open areas of the home, such as the living room or kitchen. 

– It is important to remember that although strangers continue to be a threat, often children and teens are exploited by people they know. A large number of child pornography images are taken by the children themselves and sent to others they know or think they know.

– Utilize device and software parental controls, as well as safety features available for your children’s devices and apps.

Kindle knows they can’t stop parents from providing their kids with cell phones or smart devices. In fact, she says the numbers will only continue to increase.

“Ultimately, the decision of readiness remains in the hands of parents and guardians,” Kindle said. “These devices can be beneficial as a means of communication between children and their parents; however, each family must weigh the risks and determine the correct course of action. If a child is given a cell phone or access to any other device, it is imperative parents and children take necessary steps to remain safe.”