A viral TikTok video claimed that 88 Black children went missing in Virginia in just one week. The number is real—confirmed by Virginia State Police and WTKR News 3—but most cases were classified as runaways. Still, runaway does not mean safe. Runaways face extreme risks of trafficking, violence, and exploitation. This crisis demands action. Here’s what’s really happening, why it matters for Black families, and how we can protect our children.

Online predators are adapting quickly, using the same apps, games, and social platforms our kids use every day. In 2024 alone, reports of online sextortion targeting children rose 192%, with more than 546,000 cases reported worldwide. This guide from Bear Arms Academy provides parents with real-world examples, prevention strategies, warning signs, and a printable safety checklist to help protect children in the digital age.