OSBI warns parents about online dangers during summer

With summer providing children with more time online, experts are urging parents to stay aware of internet safety. June, recognized as Internet Safety Month, serves as a reminder of the risks kids face, especially when using online games and apps.

Blaine Phillips from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) stressed the importance of parents actively monitoring their children's digital activity. He advised parents to regularly check the apps on their kids' devices and engage in ongoing conversations about online dangers.

“One of the biggest pieces of advice I have is parents need to be nosy,” Phillips said. “They need to know what apps are on their kids' devices, whether their phones or tablets, and they need to be checking those apps to see who they're communicating with, what they're saying.”

Phillips explained that predators often use apps like Roblox and Minecraft to target children. By pretending to be other kids, they build trust before attempting to exploit them.

“Predators know where the kids are, so they’ll go to those apps, pretend to be children themselves, and then once they've had a mini-communication with them, formed up some sort of trust, then that can lead to exploitation,” Phillips said.

Phillips warned that any child with a device is at risk. He said that kids may lack the experience to recognize when they are being exploited online.

Another emerging concern is the use of artificial intelligence to manipulate innocent photos of children into explicit content. “It is illegal in Oklahoma to use AI to create child sexual abuse material,” Phillips added.

While parental monitoring is crucial, Phillips reminded parents to approach the topic with care, saying, “It’s not that I don’t trust you, I don’t trust the rest of the world.”

As kids spend more time online this summer, experts stress the importance of staying vigilant and involved.