A Message Every Parent in the Triad Needs to Hear
By Cheri’ Reaves, NCCP
After a deep conversation with a close friend, I felt the need to share something urgent. We were talking about children, technology, and how early they’re being introduced to smartphones, tablets, and social media. This isn’t just about screen time—it’s about real dangers lurking behind those screens.
What’s Happening?
More and more children, some as young as five or six, now own smartphones and tablets. According to Common Sense Media, 51% of children aged 8 and under in the U.S. now own a smartphone or tablet, and they spend an average of 2 hours and 27 minutes daily on screens (Common Sense Media, 2023).
Why It’s Dangerous
I work closely with child exploitation and abuse cases. I’ve seen firsthand how predators use online platforms to groom and lure children. According to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, reports of online child sexual exploitation have risen by 87% since 2019.
Online grooming can begin in as little as 48 hours, according to investigative reports from Bark and NBC News (2023). Even with parental monitoring, children can easily delete messages or use hidden apps to communicate. That’s why giving a child unsupervised internet access is like inviting a stranger into your home.
A Real Story – Landon’s Experience
Landon, an 11-year-old from a quiet part of North Carolina, got his first smartphone to keep up with friends. Soon after, he met a girl online who showered him with attention. What seemed like innocent interaction turned into a dangerous situation when he agreed to meet her at a local shopping center. She wasn’t just a peer—she was a victim too, being used by her traffickers to lure others.
Landon was smart and respectful, a straight-A student with loving parents. But being younger than most kids in his class, he often felt left out. When a girl reached out to him on Instagram, it felt like a dream come true. They chatted every day. She told him he was special and that she’d never met anyone who understood her the way he did.
Eventually, she said she’d be visiting nearby and begged him to meet her. Landon convinced his parents he was going out with friends to a local shopping center. But when he arrived, she wasn’t alone. Her ‘parents’ were waiting in the car. They told him they had a surprise gift in the vehicle, but what Landon didn’t realize was that he was being lured into a human trafficking scheme. That girl was a victim too, used to bait others. Fortunately, a store employee noticed something was off and called authorities—Landon was rescued before things got worse. But not every story ends that way.
Startling Statistics – U.S.
- 42% of children in the U.S. own a smartphone by age 10; 91% by age 14; 95% of teens aged 13–17 have smartphones (Pew Research Center, 2022).
• 15.6% of respondents in a recent U.S. study reported experiencing online sexual abuse during childhood (JAMA Pediatrics, 2023).
• 42% of students in grades 4–8 report being bullied online (Cyberbullying Research Center, 2023).
• Over 50% of U.S. teens say they are ‘almost constantly’ online (Pew Research Center, 2023).
North Carolina Focus
- In 2019, the NC SBI received over 5,000 online exploitation tips; by 2021, that number grew to nearly 13,000 (NC SBI Annual Report).
• The 2023 NC Youth Risk Behavior Survey shows 81% of high schoolers and 63% of middle schoolers use social media multiple times daily.
• Burke County Schools and other NC districts have banned phones in class, while state lawmakers propose blocking under-14s from social media (HB 301, NCGA).
What Can You Do?
- Talk to your children early—and often—about online safety.
• Keep devices in shared spaces. Monitor their use openly.
• Use parental control apps, but don’t rely solely on them.
• Set boundaries, even when it makes you the “strict” parent. It could save their life.
Final Thoughts
Online dangers are real, and they are growing. You don’t have to be a perfect parent—you just have to be present. Be their protector. Be their safe space. The steps you take now could change the course of your child’s life.
Summer Brings More Risk
With school out and children spending more time online, summer is one of the most dangerous times for online grooming and exploitation. Predators know kids are home alone or unsupervised, and they increase their efforts during these months.
Be vigilant. Talk to your children about safe online behavior. Keep lines of communication open and make sure they know they can come to you about anything—even if they made a mistake. Monitoring devices, checking social accounts, and being present can make all the difference.