By: Kanwal Abidi
Palm Coast, FLORIDA: The Federal Bureau of Investigation Jacksonville Division (FBI), Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO), and Flagler Schools partnered to host the popular “Be Smart with your Kid’s Smartphone” program at Flagler Auditorium. Since 2018, more than 2,500 parents and educators across North Florida have attended “Be Smart” events to learn how to help protect their kids from online predators.
FBI Special Agents and FCSO Deputies who investigate crimes against children and terrorism matters highlighted local cases, discussed the latest schemes and social media apps that offenders are using to target, influence, and manipulate youth. Recently, the FBI announced an increase in financially motivated sextortion incidents involving minors, primarily males. More than 20 teen suicides were attributed to the scam between October 2021 and March 2023.
“Involvement and communication are a parent’s best defense against online predators,” said FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Coult Markovsky. “The first step to protecting your kids is to understand how technology makes them vulnerable and the red flags to look for. We hope every Flagler County parent and educator will take that step with us at this eye-opening event.”
“Be Smart with your Kid’s Smartphone” was free and open to the public, including parents and educators from neighboring school districts. Registration was not required for the event and the content shares was deemed to be inappropriate for youth and parental discretion is advised.
