These kids have not been found

USA TODAY examined the disparities in how audiences respond to social media posts about missing children and found not all cases get the same level of engagement.

Using 375 video posts from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children's Facebook page from October 2019 to this past June, the analysis found posts about missing white children, specifically girls, receive more likes, shares and views than posts about missing Black children.

The analysis is part of a series USA TODAY launched this year examining disparities in missing children cases.

Analysis:Facebook posts seeking missing Black children get much less attention than posts of white kids

Families with missing children use any and all means, including social media, to spread the word about their child's disappearance, especially when they feel they are not receiving enough coverage from local media or help from law enforcement. 

Here are the stories of five families who used social media to spread the word about their missing children. None of them have been found. 

If you have any information about the cases, call the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).

Joniah Walker was carrying a large backpack

The day she disappeared, Joniah Walker had plans to get her work permit. 

Instead, the 15-year-old girl was spotted walking out of her Milwaukee home on the afternoon of June 23, carrying a large backpack. 

Her family has not seen her since. 

Joniah’s mother, Tanesha Howard, immediately reported her missing. But the Milwaukee Police Department told her Joniah did not qualify as a “critical missing” and did not alert local media.