The Arkansas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force is raising the alarm as cases of online child exploitation surge, with a disturbing rise in sextortion reports involving minors. According to Sergeant Corwin Battle, Commander of the Arkansas ICAC Task Force, children as young as seven are being targeted online.
“Last year in Arkansas, there were 169 sextortion reports,” said Battle. “Already in 2025, Arkansas has received 170 sextortion reports — exceeding last year’s total, with half the year still ahead. The threat is real, but it’s different from what many of us grew up worrying about.”
The warning comes during Safer Internet Month and follows the nationwide Operation Safe Online Summer (SOS)initiative, conducted in April 2025. The national effort, led by ICAC Task Forces and federal partners, focused on curbing the technology-facilitated exploitation of children.
Despite efforts to combat online threats — including the passage of the REPORT Act — the number of cyber tip reports remains high. Sextortion, where predators coerce minors into sending explicit images or videos, is one of the most prevalent and dangerous forms of exploitation online.
Nationwide, over 19,000 reports of sextortion involving minors are made annually. In comparison, there are only about 350 to 400 child abductions by non-family members and roughly 1,000 confirmed cases of child sex trafficking each year. Most sextortion cases are reported on popular platforms such as Snapchat and Instagram.
A growing concern among investigators is the shift toward end-to-end encryption on major platforms, which makes detecting harmful content more difficult. This change places even greater responsibility on parents, caregivers, and young people themselves to recognize, report, and prevent online threats.
To help families navigate today’s digital risks, the Arkansas ICAC Task Force has updated its guidance for keeping children safe online:
Updated Internet Safety Rules for Kids:
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Old Rule: Don’t talk to strangers in public.
New Rule: Don’t talk to strangers online—even if they seem friendly or say things you like. -
Old Rule: Never get into a car with someone you don’t know.
New Rule: Never click on links or accept friend requests from people you don’t really know. -
Old Rule: If something feels wrong, find a trusted adult right away.
New Rule: If something feels wrong online, tell a trusted adult immediately. -
Old Rule: Don’t share your home address or phone number.
New Rule: Don’t share personal details like your school, hometown, or photos online. -
Old Rule: Don’t take candy from strangers!
New Rule: Don’t accept gifts, money, or promises from people online—no matter how good it sounds.
The Arkansas ICAC Task Force urges parents, educators, and community members to stay informed, talk openly with children about online risks, and report any suspicious activity.
To report a threat or suspicious online behavior:
Arkansas State Fusion Center: (501) 618-8001
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678)
Together, with awareness and action, we can make the Internet a safer place for every child in Arkansas and beyond.
