District Attorney Schammeling advocates for child safety measures in Cabarrus County

In a recent Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners meeting, District Attorney Esther Schammeling delivered a powerful message about the urgent need to protect children from rising threats of abuse, particularly in the digital age. As she addressed the commissioners and the community, Schammeling emphasized the alarming trends in child victimization, revealing that the average age of victims has dropped significantly, with many now between the ages of 7 and 12.

Schammeling, who has dedicated over 28 years to child protection, highlighted the increasing prevalence of online predators, noting that many offenders are now individuals children meet through popular apps and gaming platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, Fortnite, and Roblox. "When we give our kids a phone, we are also giving an offender access to them," she warned, urging parents and community members to take an active role in monitoring children's online activities.

The presentation included data from local law enforcement, showing a concerning rise in reports of abuse linked to online interactions. Schammeling called for community vigilance, encouraging parents to be aware of changes in their children's behavior and to report any concerning signs to school resource officers.

In her plea for community support, Schammeling introduced two nonprofit organizations, Present Age Ministries and The Lantern Project, which focus on assisting victims of human trafficking and providing resources for parents on internet safety. She urged the commissioners to help disseminate information and resources to the public, emphasizing that collaboration is key to preventing these crimes.

Schammeling also addressed the need for legislative support to enhance penalties for offenders and improve data-sharing policies among agencies to better protect children. "We want to keep cases from ever reaching my desk," she stated, underscoring her commitment to proactive measures rather than reactive solutions.

As the meeting concluded, the call to action was clear: the safety of Cabarrus County's children depends on the collective efforts of parents, community leaders, and law enforcement. Schammeling's passionate address served as a reminder that awareness and vigilance are crucial in the fight against child abuse in an increasingly digital world.