The Pike County Sheriff’s Office is urging parents to closely monitor their children’s cell phone activity after receiving reports of teenage girls being targeted by adult men through the mobile game “Avakin Life.”
Detective Sgt. Scott Arnold has spoken with several young girls who reported that individuals they met on the game, who initially appeared to be their peers, were adult men. These adults have attempted to build personal relationships with the teens, and in some instances, the interactions led to the exchange of inappropriate images.
Det. Sgt. Arnold explained that while Avakin Life is rated for users aged 17 and older, adults have been exploiting the platform to connect with younger children. Once contact is made, they often encourage the teens to shift the conversation to other social media apps, where the risk of sexual exploitation increases. The game has reportedly gained popularity among Pike Central Middle and High School students.
Sheriff Jason McKinney emphasizes parents’ critical role in protecting their children by routinely reviewing the apps and content on their phones. He also warns that once intimate images are shared online, they are nearly impossible to remove.
Parents with concerns about their child’s online safety or need further guidance are encouraged to contact the Pike County Sheriff’s Office at (812) 354-6024. The Sheriff’s Office is actively working to bring these offenders to justice.
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