FBI has seen an 'alarming increase' in online predators: Tips to keep your kids safe

SPOKANE, Wash. -- Dallas Shuler, a paraeducator, was arrested over the weekend for child sex crimes. An affidavit reveals he posed as a young boy or girl when talking to kids online.

RELATED: Federal charges added for Spokane-area elementary educator arrested for child sex crimes

This is something that the Seattle FBI said is a problem it has noticed an alarming increase in over the last year and a half.

Something as ugly as online sexual exploitation can sadly happen to anybody.

"They pose online as someone either, you know, the opposite sex, about their same age and trick them into sharing photographs, ultimately, and then use that leverage against them to demand money or more pictures," Steve Bernd, a spokesman for the Seattle FBI said.

This is a trap too many of children have fallen into.

"The most important message is you know, know what your kids are doing, and let them know that you're not going to blame them for this. You're going to help them," Bernd said.

It can be tough to know what exactly your child is accessing and who exactly they are talking to when they're online. That's why an open line of communication with your child is crucial. So, if your child does fall victim to an online predator they feel safe enough to talk to you.

One MultiCare physician says it's also important to make sure your child is mature enough before allowing them to have social media.

And, even then, it's important to set some ground rules.

"We never send inappropriate pictures. If anybody ever sends us inappropriate pictures, we need to show mom and dad and we need to not erase those things. We need to never put our address and our phone number and our age out on the internet, because it makes us a target," Dr. Sarah d'Hulst, a MultiCare Pediatrician said.

Dr. D'hulst said when your kids go for their annual check up or physical, a physician is also a safe person your child can speak with if they maybe feel to embarrassed to talk with mom and dad.

The FBI says it's never too late to report this kind of activity. You can do so by calling 800-CALLFBI or by emailing online@tips.fbi.gov.

If you're child is feeling overwhelmed from a decision they made online and need to speak with someone they can call teen text at 844-814-8336

For information on teen text click here .

If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org

For resources on Sextortion, provided by the FBI: Sextortion: What Kids and Caregivers Need to Know — FBI

There is also a video FBI advises families to watch to understand how this happens. You can view that video here: No Escape Room

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