DES MOINES, Iowa – In the wake of increasing cyber crimes against children, the Iowa chapter of Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) has taken steps to address the issue and find ways to protect children online.

Leading the charge in Iowa is Special Agent Nathaniel McLaren, who heads the ICAC task force in the state. McLaren faces the daunting task of sifting through evidence and staying updated on the latest social media trends and apps that children use. Despite having a wide array of tools at his disposal, McLaren admits that keeping track of trends and the movements of children online is a challenging feat.

“The trends are difficult to track because children are constantly moving and staying active, and predators follow suit,” McLaren explains.

One of the key challenges faced by the ICAC task force is identifying the apps that predators frequently use to solicit children. McLaren highlights popular apps such as Snapchat and Discord as platforms where illicit activities often take place. Additionally, there are other sites that predators utilize to target children, making the task of monitoring and intercepting these interactions even more complex.

The ICAC Task Force team has observed a steady increase in tips related to online crimes against children over the years. With over 4,000 tips received in 2024 so far and several months remaining in the year, the task force anticipates a similar trend compared to previous years.

“The increase in tips is quite alarming, with the number rising from roughly 1,908 in 2019 to over 5,000 in 2023,” McLaren reveals.

One concerning trend that has emerged is the rise of sextortion cases, where children are coerced into sending nude photographs or videos to predators who then demand payment in exchange for not publicly releasing the images. McLaren emphasizes the importance of providing support to children who fall victim to such crimes, as the psychological impact can be devastating.

“We’ve had cases where children in Iowa have been solicited online, sex-torted for monetary gain, and tragically resulted in self-harm and suicide due to sexual exploitation,” McLaren shares.

For parents whose children have been targeted in such situations, McLaren stresses the significance of open communication and seeking professional help for the child. Blaming the victim is not the solution, and providing a supportive environment for the child to recover and heal is crucial.

“Parents need to communicate with their children, offer support, and ensure they get the help they need to overcome such traumatic experiences,” McLaren advises.

As cyber crimes against children continue to pose a significant threat, the efforts of organizations like ICAC are vital in safeguarding the online safety of young individuals. By raising awareness, educating parents and children, and implementing protective measures, steps can be taken to prevent the exploitation and victimization of children in the digital realm.

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