“Assess Your Child’s Smartphone Wisdem” Goes back to the County of Johns.

On Thursday, February 15 at Creekside High School, the Jacksonville Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office (SJSO), and the St. Johns County School District (SJCSD) will once more collaborate to present the “Be Smart with your Kid’s Smartphone” program. Since 2018, more than 2,500 educators and parents in North Florida have participated in “Be Smart” events to get knowledge on how to shield their children from predators online.

Investigating crimes against children and terrorism, FBI Special Agents and SJSO Deputies will showcase local cases and talk about the newest tactics and social media apps that criminals are utilizing to target, influence, and control young people. The FBI recently reported an increase in occurrences of financially motivated sextortion involving children, mostly males, and over 20 teen suicides linked to the scheme between October 2021 and March 2023.

FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Coult Markovsky stated, “A parent’s best defense against cyber predators is involvement and communication.” “The first line of defense for children is to educate them about how technology puts them at risk and what warning signs to look out for. We sincerely hope that, at this significant occasion, every parent would follow suit.”

“Be Wise with your Child’s Smartphone” is available to everyone for free, including parents and teachers from nearby school districts. It is not necessary to register. Juvenile content might not be suitable, therefore parents should exercise caution.