Beware of online drug deals targeting kids, US parents warned

Police and internet safety experts say the quickly evolving world of social media and apps makes it more important than ever for parents to talk with children about risks on computers, smartphones and game system. Photo: 123rf.com

The mother of a 13-year-old girl from Naugatuck, Connecticut in the United States, who got sick eating marijuana-laced candy she bought through a social media contact wants parents to know how quickly online drug deals can take place.

“Parents need to know this happens just like that. She found this guy on Snapchat, he was advertising drugs – it was 15 minutes from her messages with him to when she came into the house sick, ” she said.