NCJ Number
195016
Date Published
2001
Length
40 pages
Annotation
This paper explores the relationship between child abuse and the Internet.
Abstract
The paper focuses on child sexual exploitation; children's exposure to sexually explicit or offensive material; and use of the Internet by pedophiles to legitimize, reinforce, and facilitate their sexual activities. It describes current efforts to prevent Internet-related child abuse. The efforts can be broadly categorized as: monitoring and criminal prosecution of offenders; community education; restricting children's access to offensive material on the Internet; and regulating the Internet industry. The paper includes a series of recommendations for further action. Development of successful prevention strategies requires cooperation at the individual and community levels, and can include such measures as community education campaigns, developing software that filters or blocks offensive material, regulating the Internet industry, and measures aimed at offenders. The article describes local and international initiatives to limit children's access to objectionable material; protection for "at risk" children; and regulation of Internet content. The article calls for a research agenda to oversee national-level legislative and policy development and a criminal justice response and to drive development of prevention and intervention measures, in order that the Internet is not used as a vehicle for the abuse of children. References