The Marion County Sheriff’s Office shares updates from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: In 2024, over 300 million children worldwide were exploited online, with 465,000 cases in the US. Platforms like Discord and Roblox are linked to exploitation, including sextortion, abuse, and gang-related bullying. Generative AI use in sexual exploitation rose sharply—from 6,800 to 440,400 cases in six months. Elderly people also face financial scams online.
Parents should monitor their children’s online activity and set boundaries. Tools such as Bark can help prevent harmful interactions. For help, contact law enforcement or report concerns through NCMEC’s CyberTipline. Stay aware and proactive.
Lucky Knott is a longtime broadcaster, sportscaster, and news reporter, having worked in radio here in the Sequatchie Valley and in Coffee and Grundy County for many years. You can hear his news reports weekday mornings and afternoons on The River 104.9 WEPG in Marion County and Country Roads 93.3 in Dunlap/Pikeville. He is also Editor for SValleyNow.com - Sequatchie Valley Now.
