FBI Norfolk Issues Back-to-School Online Safety Tips for Students and Parents

Exclusive By: Kanwal Abidi

NORFOLK, Va.: The FBI Norfolk office has urged students and families to strengthen their online safety habits as children across Hampton Roads return to school and spend more time using digital platforms for learning, communication and entertainment.

The agency said increased online activity can also expose children to greater risks. Parents and educators should make digital safety part of regular back-to-school conversations, officials advised.

Children often reconnect with friends and explore new online communities when the school year begins. The FBI said adults should have direct and age-appropriate discussions with children about potential online threats.

Students Urged to Stay Alert Online

The FBI warned that predators can use gaming platforms, social media, messaging applications and chat rooms to target young people.

Special Agent in Charge Dominique Evans of FBI Norfolk urged students to make careful decisions online and speak up when something feels wrong.

UAE-Pakistan Trade and Tourism Could Unlock Major New Opportunities, Says Al Zarooni

Evans encouraged parents to maintain open conversations at home. She also called on teachers to help students recognise concerning behaviour and report it appropriately.

The FBI said online safety requires cooperation between children, families, schools, educators and law enforcement.

Key Safety Tips for Students

The FBI recommends that students follow several basic precautions when using digital platforms:

• Keep social media accounts private and avoid accepting requests from people they do not know.
• Be careful when interacting with unfamiliar accounts.
• Think carefully before posting or sending photos, videos or messages.
• Remember that deleted content can remain available through backups or cloud storage.
• Avoid sharing personal information or content that could later become public.
• Remember that people can hide their real identities online.
• Be aware that online images can be altered, copied or stolen.
• Be cautious when someone met on one platform asks to continue the conversation on another app.
• Seek help immediately if an online interaction becomes uncomfortable, threatening or overwhelming.
• Report suspected exploitation or other concerning behaviour to a trusted adult or law enforcement.

The FBI stressed that asking for help should never be a source of shame.

Advice for Parents and Other Adults

The agency also encouraged parents and guardians to stay involved in their children’s digital lives.

Adults should regularly discuss online activity with children and ask about interactions that make them uncomfortable.

The FBI recommends setting reasonable limits on screen time and internet use. Families may also consider turning off Wi-Fi during overnight hours.

Parents should know the passwords for their children’s phones, tablets and computers. They should also periodically check devices and remain aware of the applications children download and use.

The agency recommends using the strictest privacy settings available on social media platforms.

Parents should also understand who communicates with their children online and review digital friend lists regularly. Offenders can sometimes pretend to be children or peers to gain trust.

Conversations Remain the Strongest Protection

The FBI said technology alone cannot fully protect children from online threats.

No application or privacy setting can replace regular conversations between children and trusted adults.

Creating a home environment where children feel comfortable reporting suspicious, uncomfortable or frightening online interactions remains one of the most important protections.

As students return to classrooms across Hampton Roads, FBI Norfolk is encouraging families and educators to remain informed about emerging online threats and understand the tactics offenders may use to target children.