Parents have plenty to worry about these days, as technology and social media have made many things better, but have made other problems much more difficult to solve. Our community is fortunate to have law enforcement agencies who work through the Southeastern Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force to try to defend against such crimes, but parents can play a role in prevention.

Last month, several men were caught as part of the statewide “Operation Time’s Up” sweep that targeted those soliciting sex. Agencies from Washington, Noble, Monroe, Athens, Meigs and Morgan counties along with city police departments and the Department of Public Safety participated in the operation.

Reports came from law enforcement about those charged with crimes and offered details about resources that are available to victims. But Sgt. K. McGilton, a detective with the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, was eager to educate parents as well.

“We want the parents or guardians to know what your children are doing online,” McGilton said. “Some of these apps and different websites children go through, look through their history. Let them know some of the red flags and not to accept anybody who they don’t know and isn’t part of their life.”

McGilton added children should never share photos over the Internet, and that parents should put restrictions or locks on devices to prevent children from accessing apps that could lead to dangerous situations.

It is work, sure — but parenting is hard, anyway. Law enforcement can’t do it all. Take the time to do this one more thing to keep your kids safe.