Police urge parents to monitor children’s online activity

Imperial Police Department warns parents of the dangers having kids use the internet and social media - 13 On Your Side's Vince Ybarra reports

IMPERIAL, Calif. (KECY, KYMA) - Imperial Police Department recently found a local runaway teen in New Mexico, which prompted the police to encourage parents to watch what their kid is doing online.

Imperial Police Department Captain Max Sheffield said it's important for parents to keep an open line of communication with their kids.

"Always talk to your children. Let them know the dangers that are out there. Obviously, children don't know that there are people out there these type of people out there who want to do harm," said Captain Sheffield.

He said the best solution is to have your kid avoid social media. But Captain Sheffield understands the appeal with the internet being at our fingertips.

"Children are really vulnerable, especially online. So it's kinda hard for the parent, in our opinion, to let your child have social media," said Captain Sheffield.

The Imperial Police Department captain said these kinds of cases rarely happen in Imperial County. But he said if this happens to you, contacting the police department or sheriff's department with the most information as soon as possible is the best thing to do.

Friday on 13 On Your Side at 6 p.m., Vince Ybarra shares more about the recent case solved by Imperial Police Department.