WATCH: Preventing Online Sexual Exploitation of Children & Teens Webinar

Mercer Island, WA, September 16, 2026 — A Preventing Online Sexual Exploitation of Children & Teens webinar presented by the Mercer Island School District, in partnership with Mercer Island Youth & Family Services (MIYFS) and PTA Parent Edge, took place on Tuesday, September 15.  

This webinar was hosted by Ross Goldman, U.S. Department of Justice, Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and Cecelia Gregson, Assistant United States Attorney, Western District of Washington.

Also joining the webinar was Mercer Island Police Department School Resource Office Olivia Phan, Mercer Island Youth and Family Services Health Promotion and Prevention Coordinator Michelle Ritter, and PTA Parent Edge Representative Jacklyn Tan.

The slide deck used in webinar by Goldman and Gregson has numerous resources for families and community members linked at the end of the deck.

As young people spend more time connecting, learning, and socializing online, it is increasingly important for families to understand the risks associated with digital spaces and how to help children navigate them safely. This informative webinar provided practical strategies for recognizing warning signs, starting meaningful conversations with children and teens, and preventing online exploitation.

The presentation was led by experts from the U.S. Department of Justice and was designed for parents, caregivers, educators, and other trusted adults who want to better protect the children and teens in their lives.

In this webinar our community members learned about:

• Current trends in online sexual exploitation targeting children and teens.
• Common tactics used by online predators.
• Warning signs that a child or teen may be at risk.
• Practical tools and resources to help families promote online safety.
• Steps to take if exploitation or concerning online behavior is suspected.

Mercer Island School District remains committed to supporting the safety and well-being of every student by providing families with trusted resources, educational opportunities, and community partnerships that help keep children safe in an increasingly digital world.

We encourage our families and community members to watch this webinar.