After complaints of gaming abuse, investigators warn parents to monitor their child's phone

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) – Officials with the Pike County Sheriff's Office are warning parents to closely monitor their children's cell phone activity.

According to a press release, a number of complaints have been received alleging that teenage girls have been abused by adult men they met while playing the popular mobile simulation game “Avakin Life.”

Detective Sgt. Scott Arnold interviewed several teenagers who said the people they met on Avakin Life turned out to be grown men.

They tell investigators that the adult men then try to establish a personal relationship with the teenagers. In some of these cases, nude photos were sent.

According to official information, the game itself is designed for people aged 17 and over, but the adults use it as an introduction for children, which then allows the illegal user to persuade the child to move to other social media where cases of sexual exploitation can occur.

Det. Sgt. Arnold explained that “Avakin Life” is available in the form of a cell phone application and is very popular with students at Pike Central Middle and High School.

If you have any concerns about your child's cell phone safety or have any questions, please call the Pike County Sheriff's Office at (812) 354-6024 with all information.

The Pike County Sheriff's Office says they are working hard to bring these perpetrators to justice.

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