RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- As students return to classrooms across the region, experts are urging parents to prioritize conversations about online safety.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) warns that digital threats are prevalent, and it's important for parents to understand these risks, even though tracking online safety can feel overwhelming.

"I think sometimes we don't want to think about those worst-case scenarios or the risks that might exist out there," said Stacy Garrett, the vice president of content and community engagement for NCMEC.

The Center operates a national reporting system for suspected online child exploitation called CyberTipline. In 2024, the CyberTipline received nearly 30 million reports of suspected child sexual exploitation, includ

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