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Internet Safety Resources

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Resources for Parents, Educators & Communities

The Richland Police Department is committed to helping families, schools, and community members keep children safe online. Through partnerships with the Southeastern Regional Internet Crimes Against Children (SER-ICAC) Task Force, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), local schools, and community organizations, we are proud to provide trusted online safety resources for parents, caregivers, educators, and youth.

This page includes prevention tools, reporting resources, conversation guides, downloadable materials, and internet safety education information.

If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. If you would like to report a crime after it has occured, you can call our non-emergency phone number at (509) 628-0333.

Quick Access Resources

Report Online Exploitation

Report suspected online child exploitation to the NCMEC CyberTipline.

CyberTipline

Internet Safety Resources for Parents & Educators

Access online safety education materials from NCMEC and NetSmartz.

NCMEC Education

SER-ICAC Task Force Resources

Learn more about online child exploitation prevention, reporting, and investigations through the Southeastern Regional ICAC Task Force.

WA ICAC Task Force

Download SER-ICAC Internet Safety Materials

Access downloadable PDFs and school resource materials distributed by Richland Police Department School Resource Officers.

Violet Extortion & Gore Networks - Tips2Protect 

Request an Internet Safety Presentation

Contact RPD to request a community, school, or parent presentation on internet safety topics.

Contact Us

About SER-ICAC

The SER-ICAC TF is a collaborative law enforcement effort dedicated to combating the proliferation of internet crimes against children in the Southeast region. By leveraging resources and expertise from various agencies, including the Richland Police Department, Kennewick Police Department, Benton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Department of Homeland Security - Investigations Division, the task force works tirelessly to investigate, prosecute, and prevent online exploitation and abuse of minors.

SER-ICAC also provides educational materials and awareness resources to help parents, educators, and youth recognize online dangers and respond safely.

National & Regional Safety Resources

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC)

NCMEC provides child safety education, prevention materials, victim support resources, and reporting tools related to online exploitation and child safety.

Helpful Resources:

NetSmartz Internet Safety Education

NetSmartz offers free age-appropriate videos, activities, classroom resources, and safety guides for:

  • Parents & caregivers
  • Elementary students
  • Middle school students
  • High school students
  • Educators & schools

SER-ICAC Task Force Resources

SER-ICAC provides regional internet safety education and investigative support related to:

  • Online enticement
  • Sextortion
  • Social media safety
  • Gaming platform safety
  • Online grooming awareness
  • Reporting internet crimes against children

Resources for Parents & Caregivers

Talking to Your Child About Online Safety

Regular conversations about technology and online behavior are one of the best tools for keeping children safe online.

Topics to discuss:

  • Social media safety
  • Online strangers
  • Gaming chats and messaging
  • Privacy settings
  • Sharing photos online
  • What to do if something feels wrong

Sextortion Awareness

Online sextortion targeting minors is increasing nationwide. Children and teens should know:

  • Never send explicit images online
  • Online identities can be fake
  • Threats should be reported immediately
  • They will not be in trouble for asking for help

If your child is being threatened online:

  • Stop communication
  • Save evidence
  • Report the incident
  • Contact law enforcement

Online Gaming & Social Media Safety

Parents are encouraged to:

  • Know what apps and platforms children use
  • Monitor privacy settings
  • Discuss safe online behavior
  • Encourage open communication
  • Use parental controls when appropriate

Resources for Educators & Schools

Classroom Safety Resources

Educational materials and lesson plans are available for schools and educators through NetSmartz and SER-ICAC.

Downloadable NCMEC/SER-ICAC Materials

Presentations:

Handouts:

More resources are available online here.

** All resources linked above are available in both English and Spanish, online, at MissingKids.org.

Request an Internet Safety Presentation

Richland Police Department School Resource Officers may be available to provide internet safety presentations for:

  • Schools
  • Parent organizations
  • Youth groups
  • Community events

Request a Presentation

Resources for Students

If Something Happens Online

If someone online makes you uncomfortable, threatens you, or asks for inappropriate photos or information:

  • Stop communicating
  • Tell a trusted adult
  • Save evidence/screenshots
  • Report the incident

You are never alone, and help is available.

Contact Information

For non-emergency questions regarding internet safety resources or presentations:

Richland Police Department // SER-ICAC Task Force
RPDPIO@richlandwa.gov
(509) 942-7608

For emergencies or crimes in progress, call 911.