With school out and devices on, the FBI issued the new warning to parents about predators lurking anonymously.
The new campaign, called "It's Not a Game," includes a PSA meant to encourage parents to engage with their children about what they are doing online and who they're talking to.
It comes at a time when child exploitation cases are up 18% from 2019 and 2020, and the popularity of online gaming soared last year as the pandemic forced millions to stay at home.
RELATED | What New Yorkers need to know about the Delta variant
Delta variant: What New Yorkers need to know
"It has become a little more of a problem now, because during the height of the pandemic, children were gone and on their devices," FBI Supervisory Special Agent Seamus Clark said.
The cases start on gaming platform chat feature, where predators groom children by complimenting their play.
They eventually migrate to platforms where lewd photos can be more easily transmitted, Clark said.
Predators are often looking for images and videos, but Clark said there have been instances when a physical encounter is sought.
Parents can take advantage of parental controls built into many games and devices that limit screen time or hours of use.
"Staying on top of your child's digital citizenship is a difficult thing to do as things evolve," said Dr. Corey Wasserman, a pediatrician at Weill Cornell in New York.
She urged parents to set boundaries on device use, encourage kids to speak out if approached on a chat about anything involving their bodies, and offer reminders that digital footprints are everlasting.
ALSO READ | New Jersey town cancels July 4th fireworks over crowded beach party
Long Branch canceles July 4th fireworks over crowded beach party
The FBI campaign was announced in New York but is part of a nationwide effort to remind parents and communities about the role they play to help kids avoid predators.
Worldwide, gamers spend upwards of $1.6 billion every month to play.
---------
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* More New York City news
* Send us a news tip
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
* Follow us on YouTube
Submit a News Tip