Internet safety workshop set to address rising child exploitation concerns
REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) – Police across the region are asking parents a very important question: Do you know what is on your child’s devices? According to the Internet Crimes Against Children task force, cyber tips involving child abuse material have jumped 300% in the last 4 years.
“Here in Madison County and in Rexburg, when we first started really focusing on cases and making it a priority a lot more, the way our jail is set up here, offenders who were charged with those crimes against children would go to a certain pod which held a certain amount of inmates,” Detective Christian Teague with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, said. “That has changed. Now, that pod is one of the biggest pods we have at our jail. And we only have two beds left as of yesterday. So it definitely is an increasing issue.”
In response, the Rexburg Police Department is teaming up with the Upper Valley SAFE Initiative to help protect children online with an Internet Safety Workshop.
“It’s open to all, not just Madison County or Rexburg. We invite all in Eastern Idaho or anywhere to come and attend,” said Dean Coleman, the co-founder and Board Director of Upper Valley SAFE Initiative. “Parents, grandparents, and even middle school-aged kids and teens would be welcome to come as well.”
The workshop will teach about topics that adversely affect children – topics like digital safety and child exploitation will be discussed.
Organizers want families to know help is available and where they can find it.
“You’re not alone,” Coleman said. “This is affecting many of your peers. You’re not unique in dealing with or suffering with something like that. And we don’t want you suffering in silence or in shame. We want you to come forward. Talk to a trusted adult, whether that be a parent or law enforcement.”
The workshop will be this Saturday (November 14th) at Madison Junior High School, 134 Madison Avenue, Rexburg, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
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