A child sex trafficking bust involving the arrest of seven men in Orange County is again highlighting the dangers of the internet and social media when it comes to children.

Activists say no community is immune.

“We have created a very powerful access to our children. Any of our youth can be and are at risk,” says Kelliann Kostyal-Larrier, director of Fearless!

That potential risk was seen this month in the Town of Wallkill when FBI and state police arrested several men, from Orange County and New Jersey, in an undercover child exploitation and trafficking arrests.

“It’s happening in our neighborhoods, our communities and it’s possible it’s happening in our home,” says Kostyal-Larrier, whose agency works with victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse.

The men are accused of messaging authorities, who were posing as kids, and meeting them for what they thought would be sex.

Kostyal-Larrier says the law enforcement operation is a reminder for parents to talk with their kids about social media safety.

“We all have a responsibility,” says Kostyal-Larrier. “We know all too well adults are using these platforms to exploit, create risk and ultimately do harm.”

UNICEF recommends parents and guardians set clear ground rules for online behavior, making sure their child’s privacy settings are updated and on, and modeling healthy social media habits.

State police say their investigation into the seven men charged is ongoing.

If you or someone you know has been exploited or victimized by sex trafficking in Orange or Sullivan Counties, call Fearless! at 845-562-5340, the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673 or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 800-THE-LOST.