FBI Jacksonville is urging families to stay vigilant as children spend more time online during summer, exposing them to risks like sextortion, cyberbullying, and online grooming. The agency highlights alarming increases in cybercrimes targeting minors, including violent networks like '764' that coerce self-harm and exploitation. Parents are advised to remain engaged in children's digital activities and promote safe online habits. The FBI stresses that once content is shared, it cannot be taken back, underscoring the importance of selective sharing.
– With summer break starting for schools across the region, FBI Jacksonville is urging families to stay vigilant and protect children from online predators and exploitation.
Children often spend more time on the internet during summer — on social media, gaming and messaging platforms — where offenders may pose as peers, gain trust and later use threats, fear or explicit content to exploit them. Shame and fear frequently prevent victims from reporting abuse, making awareness and open communication critical, the FBI said.
“Online threats targeting children are increasing at an alarming rate, with crimes like sextortion, cyberbullying and online exploitation causing real-world harm,” Jason Carley, FBI Jacksonville’s special agent in charge, said. “As students spend more time online outside of the classroom, parents and guardians should remain engaged in their children’s digital activity and reinforce good online habits. ” Trends show a sharp rise in cybercrimes targeting minors, driven by sextortion, cyberbullying and online grooming.
Violent online networks sometimes coerce children to engage in self-harm, animal cruelty or suicidal acts on livestreams, and some of these incidents have resulted in victims’ deaths. These networks — often referred to as “764” — typically target underage females ages 10 to 17 but can prey on anyone who is isolated, has unfettered internet access or struggles with mental health issues.
In 2025, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center received more than 75,000 submissions involving sextortion and referred more than 5,700 cases involving minors to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. In 2025, Florida reported more than 600 sextortion complaints from people under 20. Remember that once something is posted or sent, it can never be taken back. Be selective about information and pictures you share.
Assume texts, photos and videos can become public. Be suspicious if someone you meet on one app asks you to move to a different platform; stop communicating if you feel uncomfortable. If you feel overwhelmed or victimized, ask for help, including from law enforcement. Do not be ashamed to report crimes.
Talk openly with your children about their online activity and possible victimization. Know and maintain passwords to phones, tablets and computers. Set social media privacy settings to the strictest level possible. If you suspect your child may be a victim, do not try to handle the predator yourself.
Contact local police, call 1-800-CALL-FBI or reach FBI Jacksonville at 904-248-7000. Hailing from Detroit, Jonathan is excited to start his media career at News4JAX in November 2023. He is passionate about telling stories that matter to the community and he is honored to serve Jacksonville. Jacksonville braces for scorching heat index and weekend storms: What to expectFrom Afghanistan to Blue Origin — a Jacksonville veteran’s life cut short by a drunk driverA sign of the times?
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