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Jamaica’s Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA) is warning parents to closely watch how their children use the internet.
This warning comes after police said that 22% of sexual offence cases now start online.
Superintendent Kerry-Ann Bailey, head of CISOCA, spoke on the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Force4Good Podcast. She explained that apps like TikTok, Instagram, and even online games like Roblox are being used by predators to target and groom children.
“Children and teens spend a lot of time online, sometimes with no supervision,” she said. “Adults with bad intentions use this to gain their trust and then exploit them.”
She asked parents to supervise their kids when they are using smart devices and social media. Bailey noted that many parents set controls for young children but not for teenagers. But most reports of abuse involve teens.
She warned that apps like TikTok and Instagram often show adult content, but even child-friendly games like Roblox can be risky. In Roblox, kids talk with others online, but parents don’t know who those people are.
There have been cases where strangers asked kids inappropriate questions during games. Some children even gave away private family information, thinking they were just playing.
Bailey also urged parents to notice changes in their children’s behavior. If a child starts having grown-up conversations online, they might become more secretive.
She recommended that parents regularly check their child’s browser history, messages, and social media activity. This can help catch any problems early.
The Jamaica Constabulary Force says it is committed to keeping children safe and asks the public to report anything suspicious online to CISOCA or their nearest police station.
Source: Jamaica GIS.
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