Reports of Cybercrimes Against Children Double During Pandemic

[CyberPanther]

Content source

https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/tips-on-cybercrimes-against-kids/

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said yesterday that the number of tips received regarding cybercrimes against children has increased sharply since the outbreak of COVID-19.

Speaking to media, TBI Director David Rausch said investigators had received more than twice the usual number of tips concerning this type of cybercrime since the pandemic began.

In 2020, the bureau has recorded 450 tips on cybercrimes against children, with 122 tips received in the month of March alone.

Rausch said the rise might be linked to an increase in the amount of time people were spending online since remote working and social distancing became the norm. He warned parents to keep an eye on what their children are doing when they access the internet and to ensure smart devices are used under supervision.

“Our agents have seen children as young as five years old taking photos of themselves and at the direction of someone they communicated with online," said Rausch.

“We want to encourage parents to be vigilant. Just as you wouldn’t let strangers into your home, or certainly your children’s bedroom, you shouldn’t let cyber-criminals into your home through phones or other screen sources.”

 

[Cortex]

I can put up with a lot of things but crimes against children isn't one of them - So many parents let even young children use phones & tables sometimes with no supervision & even no protection via ISP or software - This i feel needs to change.

 

[CyberPanther]

I can put up with a lot of things but crimes against children isn't one of them - So many parents let even young children use phones & tables sometimes with no supervision & even no protection via ISP or software - This i feel needs to change.

Totally agree with you

 

[show-Zi]

I believe that the multilayered structure of human relationships and society has a significant impact on children's growth. The education of human relations in school begins with "Man is a good thing.". But it doesn't work on the web. How can children cope with this gap?

 

[upnorth]

This is the dark and ugly side of the smartphone era. Kids are much more easy pried upon, as they are much more online and automatic meet more people. It was really a nobrainer IMO that the pandemic would make it even worse. Yes the main responsibility always lays with the parents, but one shouldn't avoid a huge responsibility that also lays in the hand of ISPs, vendors and developers. When those are caught not following laws and regulations and makes it too easy for the predators and idiots to attack children, the penalty fees are way too small and also ends up in the wrong hands. Regulations for companies needs to be enforced, yesterday and not just talked about. It's a bit too much we can, we will, we do from the rich and powerful. It's sadly too many times not a priority until it hits themselves or someone close.

We adults/parents needs to be more a role model for kids and also participate much more instead of being selfcentered. That we can do if we like when they left the nest.