RIO GRANDE CITY – Authorities in Starr County have a message for parents: child exploitation cases are on the rise.

But, not all the offenders are adults, some are children.

Children as young as 10 years old are becoming victims. Other children, as well as adults, are said to be sharing explicit photographs – exposing a much bigger problem.

“In the last two months, we've had an influx and increase in cases regarding children sending naked, nude pictures of themselves to each other. And what we have found is, we have found others harvesting those photos,” said Starr County Attorney Victor Canales in a press conference.

What children are not realizing is once they send a photo online, strangers can gain access to these explicit photos.

Officials fear the worst for the children being exposed.

Canales message is clear, they want parents to act before their child is arrest or worse.

Watch the video above for the full report.

View the entire press conference below.