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Cybercrimes Against Minors Surge in Ciudad Juárez
Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico – The rapid evolution of technology has led to a concerning rise in cybercrimes targeting minors in Ciudad Juárez. These offenses include threats, harassment, and bullying through social media, digital platforms, and video games.
Martín Landeros, a second police officer from the Municipal Public Security Secretariat (SSPM) assigned to the cybercrime unit, reported that they receive between five and six complaints of cyberbullying or cyber-harassment weekly in Juárez. Landeros emphasized that many cases go unreported due to a lack of awareness about reporting mechanisms or the perception that these are merely ‘childish’ issues.
The emotional impact on victims is severe, as the lack of verification on platforms exposes children to various dangers. Adults often pose as minors to gain trust and gather information, potentially leading to serious problems for the children.
Cybernetic Violence Against Children: A Growing Concern
Last year, the Comprehensive System for the Protection of Girls, Boys, and Adolescents (Sipinna) conducted a statewide survey with over 40,000 respondents. The survey identified social media as the second leading cause of violence against children and adolescents.
Daniel Abraham Terrazas, State Director of the Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms (Cemasc), stated that these findings prompted the creation of the ID 360 strategy. This initiative involves collaborative efforts with the cyber police, the Goechi group, and other institutions.
Terrazas highlighted that two out of three children have had their rights violated through social media, either by being asked for personal data or by sharing images with pornographic content. This alarming statistic has put the state on high alert.
Consequently, the school violence response protocol, managed by the Secretary of Education and Sports, has been updated to include cybercrime issues, addressing cases where minors victimize other minors.
Cemasc is actively engaged in preventive work with parents, raising awareness about the risks their children face on social media. This year alone, 2,800 complaints have been registered across the state, with approximately 60 percent originating from Ciudad Juárez. These issues primarily involve cyber-harassment, grooming, and other illicit activities.
Digital police are working to identify patterns to apprehend aggressors, most of whom are adults. However, Landeros acknowledged that significant progress is still needed in digital investigation and restriction capabilities within the state and the country. Collaboration with the National Guard, which is authorized to address national violence issues, continues.
Regulating Cell Phones in Schools and Parental Responsibility
Regarding recent legal changes restricting cell phone and electronic device use in schools, Landeros stressed the importance of cyber education and parental responsibility. He emphasized the need for parental supervision in children’s use of technology.
Recommendations for parents include verifying applications and monitoring who their children communicate with, as fake profiles are often used by predators. Landeros underscored that technology is a double-edged sword, and without proper education and responsible parenting, it can be extremely dangerous for minors.
He also mentioned that parents are being taught about applications that offer parental controls. However, he noted that without responsible parenting, it would be challenging to change the current situation.
Adapting School Protocols for Cyber Safety
Roberto Anaya, Undersecretary of Education and Sports for the Northern Zone, reported that the addiction prevention board, comprising over 30 government institutions and civil associations, is addressing these issues. Four distinct action protocols have been established to handle specific cases.
Anaya highlighted the crucial role of the security board, which includes all agencies responsible for addressing issues affecting children in schools. He stated that new measures to regulate cell phone and electronic device use would help in these situations, with necessary training provided to administrative and teaching staff on these new protocols to foster a better environment in educational centers.
The SSPM is also conducting talks and workshops in public and private schools to educate students, teachers, and parents about the risks of social media and digital applications to prevent cybercrimes.
How to Report Cyber-Harassment
To report cybercrimes, victims can contact the community number for guidance and support in filing a complaint, or use the WhatsApp number (656) 582 7399 for recommendations on how to avoid becoming a victim. Officials encourage citizens to stay informed about these illicit activities and assure that the cyber police are available to assist the community of Juárez.
Source: https://netnoticias.mx/juarez/aumentan-delitos-ciberneticos-contra-menores-en-ciudad-juarez
