FORT SMITH (KFSM) - Law Enforcement agencies across the area are on high alert to make sure your children stay safe. Authorities are concerned about your child's safety both inside and outside the classroom.
At the Sebastian County Sheriff's office, investigators work to make sure your child stays safe 24/7. With today's technology, Sheriff Bill Hollenbeck said one of the most dangerous places for your child isn't at school but online. That's why they have a team of investigators dedicated to cyber crimes.
"The advances we have with technology is so important, we not only educate our children but also just as important to educate the parents to have a good solid conversation with their kids about internet safety, " said Hollenbeck.
Whether it is summertime or during the school year, cybercrimes happen in the area to both children and adults.
"We have several horrible incidents that have occurred here as a result of kids who may think they are talking to a 12-year-old girl but on the other end, they are talking to a 44-year-old man who is a predator," said Hollenbeck.
There is a way to make sure your child stays safe online. Hollenbeck said it's crucial that you don't let them give out vital information such as, their name, date of birth, where they live, and where they go to school. One of the most dangerous websites kids can log onto are private chat rooms according to Hollenbeck. Investigators said kids have to be extremely careful with what they post to the web because once its there, it never really comes back.
"Once something arrives on the internet whether it be an inappropriate picture or information, it never goes away," said Investigator Philip Pevehouse with the Sebastian County Sheriff's Office. "It's always going to be out there and shared."
Investigators try to put an end on cyber crimes from happening. "Its turned over to the Internet Task Force and they will investigate that," said Hollenbeck. "We need to give the message to those predators that we are searching for them."
Hollenbeck said its okay to be nosy when it comes to their child's friends and activities.