Authorities say, some phone apps have opened even more channels of communication between adult predators and minors — including some video games like Fortnite and Minecraft.

Earlier this week, 24 alleged predators were arrested in New Jersey.  Authorities say, people looking to take advantage of young teens and children have more options to do so than ever due to the ever-developing landscape of internet communication.

Police say, some of them posed as teenagers, themselves.  The suspects, all men, varied in age and walks of life.  They also said most were taking advantage of a multitude of apps allowing them to reach out to children.

Arrests of alleged child predators have been made after communicating through apps like Kik, Wishbone, Tumblr and even video games like Fortnite, Minecraft and Discord.

It’s critical that parents talk to their children about social media and chat apps to let them know that the people they encounter may not be who they initially seemed to be.