The Montgomery family’s story needs to be heard by every parent. It’s a stark reminder of the dangers that our children face in this digital age and a sobering account that could change the way you think about online safety.
Recently featured on The Stand Radio, Brian Montgomery told how his son, Walker, was a normal teenager who loved football and family. But on November 30, 2022, his life was tragically cut short by a social media scam that's becoming increasingly common. The scam is simple yet devastatingly effective: a predator poses as a peer, gains the trust of their victim, and then manipulates them into a compromising situation, only to extort money with threats of public humiliation. For Walker, he went upstairs to go to bed, but in a matter of a few hours, he was faced with a deception so overwhelming he took his own life.
As I listened, Brian shared the gut-wrenching details of that terrible night and the weeks that followed. The family suffered for nearly six weeks with no clues, no apparent motive, and a gaping hole where Walker's bright future should have been. It wasn't until local police and the FBI gained access to Walker's phone that they began to understand the horrifying truth.
The interview isn't just the recounting of a tragedy; it's a call to action. It highlights the urgent need for the Kids Online Safety Act - legislation that aims to hold tech companies accountable for the safety of children on their platforms. It's a reminder that as parents, and guardians, we have a duty to protect our children from the threats they can’t see or understand.
But how do you protect your child from an enemy that is invisible, that enters your home through the very devices that are supposed to provide security and information? Brian offers practical advice: maintain open communication, monitor phone usage, know their phone and social media passwords, and charge their phones in your room at night.
I hope you’ll listen to this interview. It’s a great conversation starter for families and a necessary education for those of us who may be unaware of the full extent of the Internet’s dark side. We must get involved to ensure that our children can navigate the online world safely.
