US: Maryland State police warn parents of growing child sexual abuse online

The US Maryland State police has warned parents of the growing child sexual abuse online, especially with children spending more time on the Internet, urging them to take preventive measures. The Maryland State Police Computer Crimes Unit reported that by 7 December 2020, the police had received 5433 cyber tips as compared to 3248 tips received in 2019. Between January-September 2020, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) reported 30 236 incidents of online enticement of children, compared to 15 220 reports in 2019. Looking at the growing crime against children online, parents are encouraged to monitor their children’s activities online.