-Half of teens 13-18 have communicated online with someone they have never met.

-One third have talked about meeting in person someone they only know online.

-One in eight teens have learned that someone communicating with them online was an adult pretending to be much younger.

1. Talk to your child about online predators.

Online predators often target children who are lonely or who have low self-esteem. Many young kids struggle with social skills and find it easier to build that confidence talking with strangers online. That’s why it’s important to help your child be wary of strangers they may meet online. Make clear that some online predators are old men or women pretending to be kids. And some predators are young adults or even teenagers. It may help to show your child news stories about predators who met kids through social networks or gaming platforms.

2. Discuss risky behavior.

All kids are prone to risky behavior, they're still learning how to present themselves in the world and seek to make new friends. They may want to express their independence and they may be curious, especially about topics like sex or drugs. So they may actually seek out online friends with whom they can talk about these topics. Tell your child it’s OK to be curious about these things, and that if they wnt to learn about these topics they can talk to a trusted adult. But explain that discussing these topics online with people they don’t know can be dangerous.

3. Spell out what a risky relationship is.

Give examples to help your child understand what a healthy relationship looks like and when they're in danger of being exploited. Talk about unhealthy risks, such as using drugs or sending 'sexy' photos. Make sure they knows that being pressured to keep a relationship secret or to do something that makes them uncomfortable is a sign that they're in a risky relationship that should be ended right away.

4. Talk about the dangers of chat rooms.

One way predators make connections with children is by having private conversations in chat rooms. Talk to your child about why they should never chat privately with someone they don’t know, no matter how innocent it seems. Kids with learning and thinking differences are particularly vulnerable because they may be seeking friendship and acceptance that they aren’t finding offline. And they may not know how to get out of unwanted online relationships.

5. Warn your child about online flirting.

Talk to your child about how flirty conversations may seem exciting at first but can quickly escalate and lead to feeling uncomfortable or used. Point out common ways people flirt online. These include talking about what you’re wearing (or not wearing) and discussing celebrities’ sex lives. Predators are looking for kids who may be easily convinced to talk dirty and share explicit photos or articles. Help your child know what behavior is acceptable online, including blocking messages from certain users and telling a trusted adult about being harassed.

6. Bring up sexy selfies.

Kids should be warned never to take images of themselves that they wouldn’t want to be seen by all of their classmates. Or their teachers. Or prospective employers. Or anyone else who wasn’t the intended recipient. Make it clear to your child that if someone asks for a provocative picture, your child must stop typing, log off and tell a trusted adult. Emphasize that this is what your child should do if asked to do anything that feels uncomfortable online.

7. Be clear about offline safety rules, too.

Talk to your child about why it’s important never to agree to an in-person meeting with someone they only knows online, especially without your knowledge and permission. Explain that meeting up in person could put them in real danger. It’s equally important to make sure they know why they should never post phone numbers, addresses, school name or any other details about themself or family members or friends. Make clear that predators could use this information to find people offline.

8. Consider surveillance software.

No one wants to spy on their children. But if you suspect your child is hiding a risky relationship, you might want to consider installing software to monitor their online activities or gain access to instant messages. These methods aren’t foolproof, however. That’s why your best option is to try to discuss things with your child frankly and frequently.

9. Tell your child that they can always talk to you.

Make it clear to your child that you want them to come to you with any questions or worries. Let them know that they can tell you anything and you won’t get mad even if they broke a rule. Having that trust and an open line of communication will allow your child to feel safe to report any dangerous situtions to you.

1. MeetMe: A dating social media app that connects people based on location. Users are encouraged to meet in person.

2. WhatsApp: A messaging app that allows texts, video calls, photo sharing, and voicemails with users worldwide.

3. Bumble: Similar to Tinder, but requires women to make the first contact. Law enforcement says kids and teens can create fake accounts and falsify their age.

4. Live.Me: A live-streaming app that uses geolocation to share videos. The sheriff's office said users can earn "coins" to "pay" minors for photos.

5. Ask.FM: The sheriff's office said this app lets users ask anonymous questions and is known for cyberbullying.

6. Grindr: A dating app geared toward the LGBTQ community based on user location.

7. TikTok: A new app popular with kids that lets users create and share short videos. Law enforcement said the app has "very limited privacy controls" and users can be exposed to cyberbullying and explicit content.

8. Snapchat: One of the most popular social media apps in the world, Snapchat lets users take and share photos and videos. The app also lets people see your location.

9. Holla: This self-proclaimed "addicting" video chat app lets users meet people in seconds. Law enforcement said users have seen racial slurs and explicit content.

10. Calculator+: Police say this is one of several apps that are used to hide photos, videos, files and browser history.

11. Skout: A location-based dating app that is supposed to prohibit people under 17 from sharing private photos. However, police say kids can easily create an account with a different age.

12. Badoo: A dating and social media app where users can chat and share photos and videos based on location. Police say the app is supposed to be for adults only, but they've seen teens create accounts.

13. Kik: Police say kids can bypass traditional text messaging features using this app. Kik "gives users unlimited access to anyone, anywhere, anytime," the sheriff's office said.

14. Whisper: An anonymous social network that lets users share secrets with strangers. Police say it also shows users' location so people can meet up.

15. Hot or Not: The app lets users rate profiles, check out people in their area and chat with strangers. Police say the goal of the app is to hook up.