As schools across the country begin summer break and students spend more time online, experts are warning parents about a disturbing trend involving extremist groups targeting children through online gaming platforms and social media apps.
A recent report from Nashville’s NewsChannel 5 Investigates highlighted concerns from law enforcement and digital extremism experts who say children are increasingly being manipulated online, sometimes into self-harm, violence, or criminal activity.
According to Dr. Amy Cooter, co-founder of the Institute for Countering Digital Extremism, many cases begin innocently through online games such as Roblox. Children are often approached in gaming chats before being encouraged to move conversations to private messaging platforms like Discord.
What starts as casual interaction can quickly escalate.
Experts say extremist groups—including organizations identified as “764” and the “Order of Nine Angles”—often target vulnerable children between the ages of 12 and 17, with some victims reportedly as young as eight years old.
Metro Nashville Police Captain Chris Dickerson said investigators are seeing more cases involving elementary, middle, and high school students becoming involved in dangerous online communities many parents may know little about.
Authorities say the grooming process often involves gaining a child’s trust before collecting personal information, images, or videos that can later be used for blackmail. In some cases, children are pressured into self-harm or threatened through “swatting” incidents and online harassment if they attempt to leave the groups.
Experts also believe online extremist influence may have played a role in the radicalization of the Antioch High School shooter, Solomon Henderson.
The FBI encourages parents to monitor online activity and watch for warning signs such as sudden behavioral changes, withdrawal, self-harm, violent drawings, unexplained packages, or discussions involving death or violence.
Anyone who believes a child may be targeted or victimized is encouraged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI, submit tips through tips.fbi.gov, or report cyber-related crimes through ic3.gov. In emergencies, contact local law enforcement immediately.
Stay informed and stay connected to your community with ESPN Radio Winchester.
