Nebraska State Patrol Reports 1,000% Increase in Online Child Exploitation Tips Since 2019

Authorities say the rise in cybertips highlights the growing risk to children online.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 9:31pm

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The Nebraska State Patrol has reported a nearly 1,000% increase in cybertips related to online child exploitation, receiving over 7,000 such tips in 2025 compared to 2019. Authorities say the rise in tips, while not all resulting in active cases, underscores the growing dangers children face online and the need for increased education and vigilance from parents.

Why it matters

The surge in reported online child exploitation cases in Nebraska reflects a troubling national trend, with predators increasingly using digital platforms to target and exploit minors. This highlights the critical need for enhanced law enforcement efforts, expanded public awareness campaigns, and improved digital safety measures to protect vulnerable children.

The details

According to the Nebraska State Patrol, the number of cybertips they received related to online child exploitation grew from a few hundred in 2019 to over 7,000 in 2025, a nearly 1,000% increase. While not all tips result in active cases, the sheer volume underscores the growing threat children face online. Authorities say predators are increasingly using social media, gaming platforms, and other digital tools to identify and exploit minors.

  • In 2019, the Nebraska State Patrol received a few hundred cybertips related to online child exploitation.
  • In 2025, the Nebraska State Patrol received over 7,000 cybertips related to online child exploitation.

The players

Nebraska State Patrol

The state law enforcement agency responsible for investigating and responding to reports of online child exploitation in Nebraska.

Christy Prang

The director of training and community engagement at BraveBe Child Advocacy Center, an organization working to educate parents and children on the dangers of social media and online platforms.

Capt. Monty Lovelace

A captain with the Nebraska State Patrol who oversees the agency's efforts to combat online child exploitation.

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What they’re saying

“There's always a piece of your heart that hurts when you know that a child is a victim to something.”

— Capt. Monty Lovelace, Captain, Nebraska State Patrol

“Kids are online more than ever. The risk is real. The risk is there. And it's in places where I think parents sometimes assume that it's not.”

— Christy Prang, Director of Training and Community Engagement, BraveBe Child Advocacy Center

What’s next

BraveBe Child Advocacy Center is holding an online risk and safety presentation in February to educate parents and children on the dangers of social media and online platforms.

The takeaway

The surge in reported online child exploitation cases in Nebraska underscores the critical need for enhanced law enforcement efforts, expanded public awareness campaigns, and improved digital safety measures to protect vulnerable children in the digital age.