LITTLE ROCK, AR — As Safer Internet Day is observed nationwide today, the Arkansas State Police (ASP) is encouraging families to make online safety a daily priority.
Preliminary 2025 data from the ASP Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force shows dramatic increases in reports of online exploitation involving Arkansas youth.
2025 Preliminary Totals (compared to 2024):
- 391 sextortion cases — up 118%
- 5,653 online enticement (pre-travel) reports — up 490%
- 11 suicide threats — up 120%
- 5 child sex trafficking cases — up 150%
The ICAC Task Force investigated 391 sextortion cases in 2025, compared to only 16 cases in 2020. The sharp increase in reports is also tied to the federal REPORT Act, which expanded mandatory reporting requirements for Electronic Service Providers and resulted in significantly higher CyberTip submissions nationwide.
Online enticement (pre-travel) involves offenders grooming minors online with the intent to meet in person for sexual activity, often escalating quickly and posing immediate risk.
“The internet offers incredible tools for learning, friendship, and discovery, but those same tools can be exploited by criminals who seek to harm children,” said Sgt. Corwin Battle, Commander of the Arkansas ICAC Task Force. “Parents and caregivers should know the risks, talk about them openly, and stay involved. A trusted, ongoing conversation is one of the best forms of protection.”
ASP stresses the importance of persistent awareness, particularly as social media, online gaming, and emerging virtual reality communities expand.
“We want Arkansas families to feel empowered, not fearful,” said Major Stacie Rhoads, ASP Criminal Investigation Division Commander. “When parents and kids communicate regularly about internet use —what’s safe, what’s not, and how to respond when something feels wrong — they build the confidence to manage the online world safely.”
Key safety reminders for parents:
• Educate children about online safety and the importance of staying cautious. To help start these important conversations, parents might ask: “What do you enjoy most about being online?” or “Have you ever seen something online that made you feel uncomfortable?” Questions like these can spark a dialogue about safe, cautious online behavior.
- Monitor their online activities and the apps they use.
- Promote open conversations about internet use and possible dangers.
- Set social media accounts to private and disable location sharing.
- Avoid meeting strangers online without verifying their identity and involving a trusted adult.
- Be cautious when sharing or downloading content online.
- Never provide personal information to unknown individuals or in response to unsolicited requests.
- Research apps before downloading and be aware of their content and privacy settings.
If you encounter suspicious online activity or potential threats, report it to local law enforcement or the Arkansas State Fusion Center at (501) 618-8001. You can also contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678). You may also submit information at www.cybertipline.com.
