|
 |
Cyber Sex and Abuse
The advent of the computer has introduced to children an incalculable number of resources that were not available just a decade ago. The computer and the Internet have given people the opportunity to connect with family and peers, no matter the distance, and to quickly access various sources of knowledge. The Internet can be a place for open discussion and exchange of ideas, but it can also be a very dangerous place.
Anonymity and safety have become the hallmarks of this type of cyber activity. The Internet is, therefore, the new playground, basketball court, park, or meeting place for perpetrators. Children who fall victim to cyber sexual predators are often the kinds of kids who appear confused, curious, or isolated. Anonymity is a mask for offenders, but it also gives the victim the illusion of safety.
Parents and guardians must be informed of the dangers the internet poses to their children. The following link provides essential information on protecting children from abuse and exploitation by on-line predators.
In June 2000, the Crimes Against Children Research Center conducted interviews with a nationally representative sample of 1,501 youth, ages ten to seventeen, who use the Internet regularly. The interviews revealed the following statistics:- Approximately one in five received a sexual solicitation or approach over the Internet in the last year.
- One in thirty-three received an aggressive sexual solicitation - a solicitor who asked to meet them somewhere, called them on the telephone, or sent them regular mail, money, or gifts.
- In the last year, one in four had an unwanted exposure to pictures of naked people or people having sex.
- One in seventeen was threatened or harassed.
- Approximately one quarter of the young people who reported these incidents were distressed by them.
- Less than 10 percent of sexual solicitations and only 3 percent of unwanted exposure episodes were reported to authorities such as a law-enforcement agency, an Internet service provider, or a hotline.
- About one quarter of the youth who encountered a sexual solicitation or approach told a parent.
- Almost 40 percent of those reporting an unwanted exposure to sexual material told a parent.
- Only 17 percent of youth and approximately 10 percent of parents could name a specific authority (such as the FBI, CyberTipline, or an Internet service provider) to which they could make a report, although more said they had heard of such places.
For more information go to Online Victimization
|
The official site of the Diocese of Bismarck, North Dakota
|
|
