2 days ago
Lurking Online: Kids face unique dangers through games and social media
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Roblox, Fortnite and Instagram are just some apps that are appealing to kids and may seem like harmless fun on the surface. These platforms are making news frequently due to teens creating relationships with predators online.
The most notorious case was that of a 13-year-old Patricia Alatore who was kidnapped and murdered by a man she met online in 2020.
However, the most recent case revolves around a Santa Ana man arrested in Bakersfield on suspicion of kidnapping a teen girl who he met online through the game Fortnite.
According to investigators, they soon learned the Santa Ana man, 20-year-old Sergio Estrada, had been chatting with teen girl online for two years with intent to commit a sexual offense.
Santa Ana man arrested on suspicion of kidnapping Bakersfield girl
Titania Jordan, the chief parent officer with Bark Technologies says any piece of technology that gives a child the ability to communicate with anybody can be potentially dangerous.
Any child can be misled by a predator, so making sure you are having candid conversations with your child is important.
Being straightforward, not getting them in trouble, letting your child know they're safe, limiting screen time, and inputting 'parent control' settings on games and social media apps are just a few ways you can keep your child safe.
For more information watch the full segment in the video player above.
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