Internet crimes against children: Three crime prevention tips
The holidays will bring many new computers and many new Internet users around the world.
The Internet provides tremendous opportunities for positive advancements in communication, education and commerce. Unfortunately, the Internet is also used to facilitate many crimes, including various forms of criminal sexual activity. Among the most disturbing Internet crimes are those committed against children. The luring and enticement of children by Internet sexual predators is a disturbing phenomena. Also disturbing are the millions of images of the sexual degradation of children that are trafficked by persons who derive sexual gratification from viewing images of child sexual abuse.
In 2006, about 147 million Americans were Internet users (PEW, April 26, 2006). Curious and unsuspecting youngsters are flocking to the Internet seeking friendship and information but are instead sometimes encountering sexual deviants and predators. One study (Wolak & Finkelhor, 2006) showed that one in seven young Internet users were enticed by predators who solicited them during their on-line activities. The law enforcement investigators who assume on-line undercover identities for the purpose of apprehending predators report that there is no shortage of potential offenders lurking in chat rooms and social networking sites.
Offenders post innocent profiles on social networking sites to facilitate their hunt for potential victims. Most sites permit users to register without any proof of their true identity and this makes the sites a haven for molesters who can pose as harmless confidants while hiding their true intent. Law enforcement has recorded many incidents of registered sex offenders who have created on-line profiles portraying themselves as inoffensive individuals seeking romance without reference to their malevolent pasts.
As police and educators struggle to meet the demands for improved enforcement and increased crime prevention training, ultimately parents must act decisively towards protecting their children. The responsibility is shared by the schools, libraries and businesses that now provide free and widespread access to the Internet.
Three Internet crime prevention tips:
1. Monitor your child's Internet activity. Know who your child is communicating with.
2. Employ the restriction and filtering features that may be available from your Internet service provider. The features can restrict your child from visiting certain non-approved sites and can restrict offensive language.
3. Install monitoring software that captures Internet activity. Such software can be enabled to work surreptitiously, or, you may decide to inform your child that the software is being used.
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References
PEW, Internet & American Life Project. (April 26, 2006). Internet Penetration and Impact. Retrieved December 21, 2006 from http://www.pewinternet.org/PPF/r/182/report_display.asp.
Wolak, J., Mitchell, K., & Finkelhor, D. (2006). Online victimization of youth: Five years later. National Center for Missing & Exploited Children Bulletin - #07-06-025. Alexandria, VA. (CV138). Retrieved December 23, 2006 from http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/NewsEventServlet?LanguageCountry=en_US&PageId=2529