FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office
Parent Alert Issued Regarding Online Child Safety Concerns
Cumberland County, TN — The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office is issuing a Parent Alert to raise awareness about a concerning increase in online activity targeting children within our community.
Recent reports and investigative trends indicate a rise in:
Child exploitation and online solicitation
Contact from unknown individuals, often posing as minors
Increased activity in group chats and private messaging platforms
Pressure placed on children to send photos or share personal information
Exposure to harmful online trends, including those encouraging self-harm
Use of platforms where messages and images disappear quickly, making detection more difficult
Sheriff’s officials are urging parents and guardians to take an active role in their child’s digital life. Awareness and involvement remain the strongest lines of defense.
What Parents Should Do:
Monitor your child’s online activity and social media use
Have direct, honest conversations about the dangers of online strangers
Set firm boundaries regarding sharing images and personal information
Encourage your child to report anything that makes them uncomfortable
Conduct regular check-ins regarding your child’s mental and emotional well-being
Reinforce that individuals online may not be who they claim to be
If Concerning Activity Occurs:
Take screenshots immediately to preserve evidence
Save any messages, usernames, or account information
Report the incident to your local law enforcement agency without delay
If you believe your child may be in immediate danger, contact the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office right away.
“This is not about fear—it’s about responsibility,” said Sheriff Cox. “We must stay engaged, informed, and vigilant. Protecting our children requires partnership between families and law enforcement.”
Our Community. Our Children. Our Responsibility.
Stay involved. Stay informed. Stay vigilant.