The FBI's Houston Field Office is warning parents that violent online networks are targeting children as young as 8 through gaming platforms and social media.
Complaints about online predators have surged 600%, the bureau reported. Special Agent in Charge Jason Hudson said the threat is real and present across the Houston area. Hudson told KHOU on Friday, Sept. 25, that parents cannot afford to look away.
"The absolute worst thing that parents can do is assume this is not happening here in Houston because it absolutely is happening here," Hudson said.
Females ages 10 to 17 are the primary targets, though victims as young as 8 have been identified, according to the FBI. The grooming process often escalates to children sharing sexually explicit photos or videos. Exploitation then begins.
Hudson described the danger in stark terms, saying the goal for many predators is to push children toward acts of self-harm. The FBI has had victims die by suicide while live-streaming, he said.
The bureau attributed the sharp rise in complaints partly to increased awareness. There have been successful prosecutions of suspected predators on these networks, according to the FBI.
Robbie Holmes, a grandmother interviewed by KHOU, said parents and guardians need to stay engaged with what children are doing online and talk to them about interacting with strangers.
How to report and get help
The FBI and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) urge parents to monitor children's online activity, watch for behavior changes and keep open conversations about internet safety. The FBI's Violent Crimes Against Children program works directly with NCMEC on exploitation cases.
To report suspected child exploitation:
- NCMEC CyberTipline: report.cybertip.org
- NCMEC hotline: 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678), available 24 hours
- FBI tips: tips.fbi.gov
- FBI Houston Field Office: (800) 225-5324
If you are having suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
