There's a dangerous and deadly epidemic that's hurting our children and teens. Addiction, depression and suicide are rising at an alarming rate, and studies show these trends coincide with the rise of social media. The risks go beyond children's mental health; children and teens' physical safety is also being compromised as sexual predators use social media to reach children within the walls of their own home. In fact, 1 in 5 children are sexually solicited online.
Attorney General Lynn Fitch launched the #BeAwareBeforeYouShare campaign to raise awareness of this deadly epidemic, advocate for change, and ensure families have the tools and resources to help protect their children.
As part of the initiative, General Fitch released a two-minute video highlighting the dangerous impact of social media on children and teens. In the video, one Mississippi father who lost his son to suicide as a result of an online scam known as sextortion, shares tips for children and parents on how to stay safe online. Click here to watch and share.
The Attorney General’s Office has created materials to help parents and children safely navigate the Internet, and members of the team often speak to school and community groups on this topic. Download our Parents' Guide to Internet Safety or our Safety Tips for Children or contact our office for copies.
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