The purpose of this circulation is that parents are slowly learning that through the Internet, pornography has invaded their homes. The electronic revolution has made pornography more accessible, bringing decadent and hard-to-get images into the home. The expansion of computer databases on the Internet has provided the greatest access till date to sexually explicit images accessed by both adults and children. While on-line computer exploration opens a world of possibilities for children, expanding their horizons and exposing them to different cultures and ways of life, they can be exposed to dangers as they hit the road exploring the information highway. There are individuals who attempt to sexually exploit children through the use of on-line services and the Internet. Some of these individuals gradually seduce their targets through the use of attention, affection, kindness, and even gifts. These individuals are often willing to devote considerable amounts of time, money, and energy in this process. They listen to and empathize with the problems of children. They will be aware of the latest music, hobbies, and interests of children. These individuals attempt to gradually lower children's inhibitions by slowly introducing sexual context and content into their conversations.
Studies have established that on-line Pornography plays an accomplice part in negative social issues such as child abuse, violence against women, rape, inequality, relationship and family breakdown, youth crime, promiscuity and sexually transmitted diseases. Parents today have a legitimate concern about what their children will be exposed to and the damage online pornography can do.
Statistics reveal that Pedophiles (adults engaged in sexual crimes against children) have easy access to children through the means of Internet...
a)Child molesters are using the electronic superhighway to look for victims.
b)The Internet is the pedophiles` playground, because it affords them anonymity, and they can use newsgroups, chat rooms, and e-mail to exchange information about child pornography and interact with children.
c)There are computer bulletin boards set up specifically for the seduction of children. They lure kids in with games and establish relationships with them on-line. Then they arrange to meet face-to-face.
d)Chat rooms and instant/private messages are two main tools pedophiles use to contact children on-line.
e)Pedophiles use the Internet to share "trade secrets," i.e. how to change identities, forge passports, and smuggle children.
f)Pedophiles use the Internet for "virtual validation" of their activities within their circles of fellow pedophiles, so they feel accepted and consider their sexual interest in children normal.
While on-line computer exploration opens a world of possibilities for children, expanding their horizons and exposing them to different cultures and ways of life, they can be exposed to dangers as they hit the road exploring the information highway. There are individuals who attempt to sexually exploit children through the use of on-line services and the Internet. The Internet is a wonderful marketplace of ideas, so most parents don't want to pull the plug on computer services. However, parents do want to protect their kids from the seamier side of the Net. It is important for parents to understand that children can be indirectly victimized through conversation, i.e. "chat," as well as the transfer of sexually explicit information and material. Computer-sex offenders may also be evaluating children they come in on-line contact with for future face-to-face contact and direct victimization. Parents and children should remember that a computer-sex offender can be any age or gender.
Signs that your child might be at risk of falling prey to cyber-porn or other objectionable stuff on the Net: -
1.Your child spends large amounts of time on-line, especially at night.
2.You find pornography on your child's computer.
3.Your child receives phone calls from men you don't know or is making calls, sometimes long distance, to numbers you don't recognize.
4.Your child receives mail, gifts, or packages from someone you don't know.
5.Your child turns the computer monitor off or quickly changes the screen on the monitor when you come into the room.
6.Your child becomes withdrawn from the family.
Here are a few suggestions and tips for parents to ensure the safety of their kids from the evil of online pornography: -
1. Keep the Computer in the Family Area
If you have a computer in your home that has access to the Internet, consider placing it in a family room or lobby rather than in a closed room. This will increase the chances of catching sight of inappropriate material that your child might encounter online. It also draws in the whole family, which can make the internet a lot more valuable to all concerned. Infact it is a good idea to ask your kid to teach you about online computing as this will generate confidence in him/her.
2. Use blocking features provided by your ISP.
Many commercial services have mechanisms to restrict access to areas inappropriate for children. Check into these when you register with these services.
3. Block cyber porn with software.
There are special software that can screen and block areas that children may try to investigate. For example Surf Watch is a software program that automatically blocks access to the approximately 1000 sexual hot spots on the Internet. Net Nanny is a program that allows a parent or guardian to monitor everything that passes through the computer. If it detects an offending phrase in an online chat room, the program automatically disconnects the computer.
4.Create a children's checklist.
Make sure your child knows the do's and don'ts of online computing. Never give out personal information (address, phone number). Never arrange a face-to-face meeting. Always remember that the person online may not be what he or she claims to be. Do not let your children have online profiles, so they will not be listed in directories and are less likely to be approached in children's chat rooms, where pedophiles often search for prey. Also, do not allow your children to post send or receive pictures online
5. Establish Rules for on-line Use
Without rules and guidelines, children may feel compelled to try new things, even things they may know are not in keeping with your beliefs. Establish a set of guidelines that reflects your family values. Make sure your child understands these guidelines and agrees to respect them while online.
6. Educate Yourself
Become more computer literate and Internet savvy yourself so that you understand what your child is doing on the computer. It would also do you well to know about the basics of a web browser and its functioning so that you may be able to easily keep a check on the sites visited by your kids. Keep checking the `Temporary Internet Files" and "History" folders on your computer on a regular basis to get an idea of the kind of websites your children are accessing.
and Finally....
7. Teach your children well
Help your children understand that the computer is a tool for educational purposes and for positive communication. Used as such, they can learn and grow and have a lot of fun. At the same time, help them understand that this wonderful tool can sometimes be used by an undesirable element for malicious purposes.
Here are links to some sites, which provide useful Tools and Software for parents to block out the harmful pornographic material and to prevent their kids from accessing such sites.
· Gulliver's Guardian (Filter) (http://www.gulliver.nb.ca )
· Net Nanny (Filter) (http://www.netnanny.com )
· RSACi (Filter) (http://www.rsac.org)
· Surf Watch (Filter) (http://www.surfwatch.com)
· Cyber Patrol (Filter) (http://cyberpatrol.com)
· 8 Programs to Porn Proof the Net (Review) ( http://zeppo.cnet.com/Content/Reviews/Compare/Safesurf )
In case of any complain please inform Cyber Crime Investigation Cell (CCIC) of Mumbai Police Phone No.: 022-2630829
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