Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader is urging parents to closely monitor their children’s online activity after sharing a report about two Florida girls who were allegedly abducted by a man they had been communicating with for months through popular apps.

In a recent social media post, Schrader referenced a news report detailing the case in which two girls in Florida were reportedly taken by a man they met through online platforms, including Roblox and Snapchat. Authorities say the suspect had been communicating with the girls for an extended period before the alleged abduction. The suspect was later arrested in Georgia.

“This kind of stuff happens,” Schrader wrote. “Parents please watch those apps on your kids phones. There are many apps that allow interactions. Please be aware.”

According to the shared report, investigators say the suspect used online gaming and social media platforms to build trust with the girls before arranging to meet them in person. Law enforcement officials say the case highlights ongoing concerns about predators targeting minors through interactive apps and messaging features.

While the case did not originate in Chattooga County, Sheriff Schrader said the situation serves as a reminder that similar risks exist in every community.

Online safety experts warn that platforms popular with teens and younger children often include private messaging features, friend requests, and location-sharing capabilities that can be exploited if not monitored. Apps such as Roblox, Snapchat, Instagram, and others allow direct communication between users, sometimes without parents realizing the extent of those interactions.

Law enforcement agencies encourage parents to:

• Regularly review the apps installed on their children’s devices
• Monitor friend lists and message activity
• Enable parental controls and privacy settings
• Talk openly with children about online dangers
• Remind children never to meet online contacts in person

Authorities say predators often spend weeks or months grooming victims online before attempting in-person contact.

Sheriff Schrader’s message to local parents is clear: awareness and supervision are key to prevention.