The FBI this week announced that parents should be weary of increased threats to child safety during school closures and social distancing, echoing the cautions we’ve been sharing with families since early March. With the threat of COVID-19, children are likely to spend more time than usual on digital devices for both education and entertainment.

But parents beware: 1 in 5 children who touch a digital device will be sexually solicited online, and the FBI this week released guidance warning of increased digital predation during this time. Those who seek to abuse and exploit children online frequent the very same apps, games and social media sites as their intended victims – gaining trust, then exploiting it. It is critical for parents to be educated about these dangers, and what they can do to reduce the risk to their child.