Parents urged to be vigilant vs online predators targeting kids

By Sally Altea

LEGAZPI CITY, ALBAY --- TThe Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit in the Bicol region is calling on parents and guardians to closely monitor their children’s online activities to protect them from the growing risks of online exploitation and cybercrimes.

During the recent Kapihan sa PIA Albay, Police Sgt. Master Christina Moya, an investigator at the RACU 5 – Women and Children Protection Section, highlighted the importance of vigilance from parents and communities in preventing online sexual abuse and exploitation of children.

“Let’s not tire of guiding our children, whether they are minors or of legal age, and reminding them to use the internet responsibly. While we may not be able to control everything they do online, we can help prevent them from becoming victims of online dangers,” Moya said.

Growing threat

One of the primary threats highlighted by Moya is the dangerous practice of cyber grooming, where adults manipulate and form emotional connections with children online with the intention of exploiting them sexually.

“Cyber grooming is a method predators use to befriend children, often luring them into illegal activities such as cybersex trafficking or the production of child pornography,” Moya said.

“This manipulation can gradually make children perceive sexual abuse as normal or acceptable behavior,” she added.

She emphasized that the manipulative tactics of cyber grooming often lead to victims being coerced into keeping sexual abuse a secret, further leading to mental and emotional trauma.

Warning signs

Moya urged parents to be aware of key signs that their children may be victims of cyber grooming.

Changes in behavior, particularly withdrawal from normal activities, are common indicators. Other red flags include: a child seeking to be alone, especially in private, unmonitored spaces like their room; a child receiving unexplained gifts, such as gadgets or phones, without providing any details on where the gifts came from; a child skipping school or other social activities with friends or groups; and a child talking a lot about a particular adult or older person.

Protective measures

In addition to watching for these red flags, Moya provided essential advice to children on how to protect themselves online:

First, be cautious about who you talk to online and what personal information you share.

Second, never meet someone you’ve only interacted with online without being accompanied by a trusted adult.

Likewise, if anything online makes you feel uncomfortable, confused or scared, talk to a trusted adult, like a parent, teacher or guardian, for guidance and support.

How to report

Moya emphasized the importance of reporting any suspicious online activities or potential grooming incidents to RACU 5.

Parents, guardians and children can contact the unit via their hotline at 0998-5988104 or email at acg_raco5@yahoo.com. The RACU 5 office is located at Camp Brigadier General Simeon Ola, Police Regional Office 5 in Legazpi City. (PIA5/Albay)