"This books sets itself apart from the rest by being honest
and realistic about the dangers out there in the Wild Wild Web, but
gives us parents the know-how to protect our children. . . . Every
parent of a net surfing child should get, read, and follow this book."
Bruce A. Taylor, President and Chief Counsel,
National Law Center for Children and Families
How serious are the risks on the Internet?
What constitutes pornography?
How prevalent are online pornography and pedophilia?
How do I report illegal online activity?
The following are two major risks to children's safety in cyberspace:
- When children go online, they have easy access to every type
of pornography conceivable.
- The Internet makes it possible for pedophiles and sexual predators
to have easy access to children.
For our children to safely develop their potential online, we need
to address the destructive misuse of this technology. Keep in mind
that the technology itself is neutral; it's the exploitation of
this new technology that poses threats to our children. This chapter
will help you to further understand the risks of going online and
how you can begin to respond to the dangers.
Online Pornography
Types of Pornography
How Children Access Pornography on the Internet
Children can access such pornography in two ways:
unintentionally and intentionally.
Unintentional Access
Children can inadvertently access pornography in several ways:
- Innocent, imprecise, misdirected searches
- Mistaken, mistyped URLs
- Unsolicited e-mail
- Instant messages (IMs)
Intentional Access
The Nature and Location of Pornography on the Internet or through
Online Services
Computer pornography is found primarily in the following areas:
Adult Bulletin Board Services (BBSs)
USENET Newsgroups
World Wide Web
Chat Rooms
How Pedophiles and Cyberpredators Access Children on the Internet
What Is Being Done to Prosecute Sexual Predators?
Child Stalking Laws
To Report Illegal Online Activity
To report possible illegal online activity related to child pornography,
predation, or any other type of child sexual exploitation, call the
CyberTipline: 800-843-5678 (800-TheLost) or contact their Web site:
http://www.missingkids.com
Summary
To meet the challenge, we need to be educated and to become
more familiar with Internet uses and risks. We also need and deserve
the joint commitment and creative support of the Internet industry,
responsible corporations, community groups, schools, libraries,
and law enforcement agencies.
The following chapters will help you in your role as a parent to
do your part with your own children. You don't have to shoulder
the burden by yourself. This is a shared burden. You are not alone!
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