The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office in Tennessee has issued a Parent Alert warning of a sharp rise in online threats targeting local children. Recent reports show increasing incidents of child exploitation, online solicitation, and contacts from unknown individuals who often pretend to be minors.

These activities commonly occur in group chats, private messages, and on platforms where messages and images quickly disappear, making them harder to trace. Children are also facing pressure to share personal photos or information and are being exposed to dangerous trends that encourage self-harm.

Officials are urging parents and guardians to actively monitor their children’s social media and online activity, hold open conversations about the risks of talking to strangers online, set clear rules about sharing images or details, and regularly check in on their kids’ emotional well-being.

Children should be encouraged to report anything that feels uncomfortable, and parents are reminded that people online may not be who they claim to be. If suspicious activity occurs, families should immediately take screenshots, save usernames and messages, and report the incident to law enforcement without delay. In cases of immediate danger, contact the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office right away.

Sheriff Cox emphasized that the alert is about responsibility, not fear, stating, “We must stay engaged, informed, and vigilant. Protecting our children requires partnership between families and law enforcement.”

The message concludes with the call: Our Community. Our Children. Our Responsibility. Stay involved. Stay informed. Stay vigilant.