The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) is urging teenagers and parents to prioritize online safety as summer approaches, recognizing an increase in screen time for communication, gaming, and social media. While the internet offers opportunities for learning and connection, it also presents significant risks such as scams, online predators, cyberbullying, privacy breaches, and harmful content. The FCPD is committed to ensuring community safety both offline and online.
The department advises young people to "Think Before You Post," reminding them that online content can be permanent and easily shared. Users should be cautious when interacting with strangers online and avoid sharing sensitive personal information like home addresses, phone numbers, or travel plans. Regularly reviewing privacy settings on social media and gaming platforms, using strong, unique passwords, and enabling two-factor authentication are crucial steps for digital security.
Furthermore, FCPD warns against phishing scams and online fraud, urging vigilance against suspicious links or offers that seem too good to be true. Maintaining mental well-being by limiting screen time and avoiding negative content is also emphasized. The department encourages respectful online interactions and advises reporting cyberbullying or any uncomfortable online situations to trusted adults or law enforcement. Parents are encouraged to engage in open discussions about digital habits and set healthy online rules. Suspicious or threatening online activity should be reported to 911 or 703-691-2131, with online financial crimes reported via FiCOR.