With children and teens spending more time online during the upcoming school break and holiday season, the Kyle Police Department is urging families to talk about safe social media and online gaming practices. Digital platforms can provide opportunity for connection, creativity and entertainment, but they also present risks if awareness, boundaries and supervision aren’t in place.
This message comes on the heels of a recent Kyle Police Department investigation in which an adult used social media platforms to contact and exploit underage victims. The case demonstrates how easily offenders can reach children online and highlights the importance of proactive monitoring and ongoing conversations about digital safety.
Potential online threats include:
- Online Predators: Offenders may pose as peers to gain trust and attempt exploitation.
- Cyberbullying: Social media comments or game chats can humiliate or threaten young users.
- Scams and phishing: Fake contests or suspicious links can lead to hacked accounts.
- Exposure to harmful content: Kids may encounter violence or sexual material.
- Sextortion: Children may be tricked into sharing inappropriate images and then blackmailed.
- Privacy violations: Oversharing personal details like location, school, or routines makes children more vulnerable.
Red flags children may show include:
- Sudden mood changes or withdrawal after online activity
- Secretive behavior or hiding screens ·
- New online friends pushing for private contact
- Requests to move conversations to other apps
- Signs of anxiety, obsession with accounts or distress after gaming
Kyle Police Department recommends these best practices:
- Set age-appropriate limits: Follow platform guidelines and use parental controls.
- Keep accounts private: Limit friends/followers to people your child knows and disable location sharing.
- Monitor activity: Check friend lists, chat logs and posted content.
- Play and engage together: Observe games to understand your child’s environment.
- Report suspicious behavior: Document inappropriate behaviors and report them to the respective platforms.
If one discovers their child is targeted:
- Stay calm and supportive
- Save messages/screenshots
- Block and report abusers through the platform
- Contact law enforcement if threats, exploitation or sextortion are involved
Resources for Families
The Kyle Police Department encourages parents and guardians to view online safety as a shared responsibility and to equip children with the knowledge and tools to navigate the digital world safely.
MissingKids.org/NetSmartz is an online resource for families with practical tools, tip sheets and kid-friendly content about online safety, bullying and healthy digital habits.
To report cyberbullying that rises to the level of a threat or harassment, contact the Kyle Police Department’s non-emergency line at 512-268-3232. In an emergency, call 911.
