FBI Agent: With More Social Media Comes More Internet Crimes Against Kids

Two Indiana state representatives gathered parents last night in Chesterfield to talk with an FBI agent about Internet crimes about children.  They say they want parents to know how to keep their kids safe.  IPR’s Val Jones reports.

“We’ve passed some new laws about cyber bullying, things like sextortion, sexting.  But what we want to do is get out in front of it and help people know how to help prevent it.”

That’s Democratic Representative Terry Austin of Anderson.  She and fellow Democratic Representative Melanie Wright of Daleville brought Indianapolis FBI agent Andrew Willmann to Chesterfield.  Willmann dedicates his life to investigating online crimes against children.

FBI agent Andrew Willmann (standing) talks about Internet crimes in Chesterfield. (Photo: Val Jones)

“They’re always present, but they kind of morph.  They change over time.  And now that we’re seeing more of the direct messaging applications and social media and online things like that, we’re seeing the more actual contact offenses from people from offenders that may not have contacted people before.”

As a father of two himself, Willmann’s best advice for prevention is telling parents to stay involved and aware.

“Just make sure you have a good open relationship with your kids.  Whether they think it’s cool or not, whether they’re annoyed by it, sit down with your kids and talk to them.  Figure out what’s going on in their life.  And hey, if they’re wanting to do something online, even if it’s a video game or something that you have no desire to do, ask them if they want to play a round.”

Parents talking to Willman were concerned about who to look for on these websites.  Willmann says online predators can, unfortunately, look like anyone.