The FBI’s Houston field office issued a renewed public warning on September 25, 2026, that violent online networks are increasingly targeting children and teenagers on social media and gaming platforms. The agency highlighted a 600% rise in complaints about potential predator encounters, prompting the alert.
The bureau, which monitors online safety, said the spike reflects a rapid increase in reports of predators using social media and gaming sites to approach minors. This trend led the agency to advise the public to remain vigilant.