Arkansas State Police Warns of Growing Online Threats to Children

As part of National Internet Safety Month, the Arkansas State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force is encouraging parents and caregivers to take extra steps to protect children online.

ASP says summer break and the start of a new school year have historically seen some of the largest increases in online enticement cases involving children, making this an important time for families to discuss internet safety.

Summer Months Bring Increased Online Risks for Arkansas Children

The ICAC Task Force says the rapid growth of social media, gaming platforms, and artificial intelligence tools has created new challenges for young internet users. Investigators are urging parents to stay involved, monitor online activity, and maintain open communication with their kids about potential dangers.

Tips for Keeping Children Safe Online

The ICAC task force recommends several steps families can take to improve online safety:

Learn about artificial intelligence and how to recognize misleading or manipulated online content.
Regularly update passwords and enable multi-factor authentication on accounts.
Review privacy settings on social media and gaming platforms.
Use free online safety resources designed for families and children.
Report suspected online exploitation or cybercrime through appropriate reporting channels.

Child Exploitation Concerns Remain High

While some categories of online crimes involving children have declined, investigators say other troubling trends continue to increase.

According to the Arkansas ICAC Task Force, online blackmail sextortion cases remained relatively steady, with 150 cases reported in 2026 compared to 153 in 2025. Child sex trafficking cases dropped from two to one, while online enticement cases involving plans to meet victims in person declined by more than 43%.

However, reports involving child sexual abuse material increased significantly, rising nearly 30% from 1,596 complaints in 2025 to 2,068 complaints in 2026. Suicide threat-related investigations also increased from four cases to seven.

“While we’ve seen decreases in some categories, increases in others — especially child sexual abuse material complaints — show that the threat remains very real,” said Sgt. Corwin Battle, commander of the Arkansas ICAC Task Force. “Awareness and early intervention are key to protecting children.”

Free Webinar Available for Arkansas Parents

Parents interested in learning more about online safety and video game-related risks can register for a free webinar titled “Video Games and Your Child: Spotting Red Flags and Staying Safe Online.”

The Arkansas ICAC Task Force encourages parents, educators, and community members to remain informed and engaged to help keep children safe both online and offline.

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Tunnel 2 Towers Steel Across America - Texarkana Stop - June 3, 2026

On the 25th anniversary year of 9/11, this steel beam from the Twin Towers in New York that fell on September 11, 2001, is a must-see. The ceremony was very well done and featured short speeches from both Texarkana Mayors and Fire Chiefs. I know many in attendance weren't even alive when the attack happened 25 years ago, but for those of us who remember exactly where we were and what we were doing when the planes struck the towers, it was an amazing thing to see and touch. If you have the chance to witness this, you should. Find out more at T2T.org.

Gallery Credit: Jim Weaver