Sheriff Youngblood: Internet safety and online predators
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Sheriff Donny Youngblood joined 17 News at Sunrise to give updates on the recent abduction of an 11-year-old Bakersfield girl. The Sheriff’s Department believes a 29-year-old Colorado man abducted her after engaging in a predatory relationship with her over Snapchat.
The girl was located in Utah and the suspect is now in custody. Youngblood understated that instances such as this should remind parents of the dangers that can reach children even in the safety of their own home via the internet.
The Sheriff explained that besides undercover stings, law enforcement can usually only intervene once the issue has caused harm, leaving parents with the important duty of being aware of what their children are doing online.
“11-year-olds don’t have the life experience to know that there’s people out there that will hurt them. They’re trusting and these pedophiles prey on that,” Youngblood said. “Parents need to understand just looking at what they’re doing online isn’t enough. You have to have a relationship with your child or someone else is going to.”
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