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The Arkansas State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is asking parents, caregivers and communities to step up efforts to protect children online during National Internet Safety Month.
The task force said online enticement cases tend to spike during summer and the start of the school year. That makes the coming months a key time for awareness and prevention.
Officials said the risks to young users grow as digital platforms change. The task force points to education, vigilance and open communication as the best ways to keep children safe.
The group offered several safety tips for families. Parents can learn how to evaluate online content, spot possible AI bias and protect privacy in an AI-driven environment. Families can also update passwords, turn on multi-factor authentication and review social media privacy settings.
The task force recommends free tools and family resources from groups such as ConnectSafely’s Safer Internet Day initiative. It also urges people to report suspected cybercrime or online exploitation through national and international reporting portals.
Recent data shows shifting trends in online exploitation across the state. Some categories fell from 2025 to 2026, while others rose sharply.
Reports of child sexual abuse material complaints climbed from 1,596 to 2,068, an increase of about 30%. Suicide threats rose from four cases to seven, up 75%. Blackmail sextortion cases dipped slightly from 153 to 150.
Pre-travel online enticement cases dropped from 1,661 to 944, down about 43%. Child sex trafficking cases fell from two to one.
“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.”
Battle’s team urges parents, educators and community members to stay engaged and informed to help protect Arkansas children online and offline.
Parents who want to learn more can register for a free webinar, “Video Games and Your Child: Spotting Red Flags and Staying Safe Online,” at https://t.e2ma.net/click/3sk8do/3ohzhz4/30y8lab.
