Prosecutor Shares Online Safety Tips For National Internet Safety Month

As June comes to a close, Boone County Prosecutor Kent Eastwood is reminding families that protecting children online is not limited to a single month. While National Internet Safety Month raises awareness, the risks children face in digital spaces are constant and require ongoing vigilance.

In 2025, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) reported a significant national increase in CyberTipline reports involving the online enticement of children. Enticement occurs when an individual communicates with someone believed to be a minor with the intent to commit a sexual offense or abduction.

In Boone County, law enforcement agencies and prosecutors continue to work closely together through initiatives such as the CASE Task Force and partnerships with the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force to investigate and prosecute offenses involving the online exploitation of children.

Prosecutor Eastwood encourages Boone County residents to report suspicious or concerning online behavior to local law enforcement immediately, including cyberbullying, impersonation, or potential exploitation. “Kids need to know they can speak up right away if something online makes them uncomfortable,” Eastwood said. “Parents should talk with their kids about red flags—like someone asking for pictures, personal information, or money—and make sure they know what to do and who they can go to for help.”