Police warn of the dangers of social media after kidnapping case

BOUNTIFUL — A 12-year-old girl is home with her family after being reportedly kidnapped and missing for nine hours.

The girl allegedly knew her kidnapper prior, through social media. Now Bountiful police are warning against social media dangers.  

Early Sunday morning Bountiful police said they received a call about a missing girl. 

Lieutenant Andrew Smith said he thinks the suspect, who’s also under 18, may have been trying to drop off the girl near her Bountiful home around 8 a.m. when police spotted his car and he took off. The chase ended when the suspect crashed into a Woods Cross police vehicle.

Police are currently giving the 12-year-old kidnapping victim some time before they’ll start the interviewing process to find out exactly what happened. 

The dangers of social media 

Smith said cases like this one are seen all over the county. 

“Unfortunately our kids are susceptible to these things. They think they are talking to some who is their age, when in fact they may not be.”

Police don’t currently know what app the suspect and victim met on. But Smith said it’s likely Instagram or Snapchat, due to their popularity. However, Smith said the danger is not limited to just these apps. Gaming apps as well can lead to kids meeting dangerous strangers.

Smith suggests talking with your kids about the dangers of social media. He also suggests keeping a close eye on what’s happening on their phones. 

“Make sure you are monitoring them. Have access to your kids accounts. Know what their passwords are so you can regularly check in,” he said. 

Smith said to always be vigilant in your kids lives. Being there for your kids in this way may foster more than just safety in the long run, he said.  

“I truly believe that having that open dialogue and building those relationships with your kids up front will save them in the long run and actually make your relationship a lot stronger with them.”

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