Introduction
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. There are other
individuals, however, who immediately engage in sexually explicit
conversation with children. Some offenders primarily collect and trade
child-pornographic images, while others seek face-to-face meetings with
children via on-line contacts. 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 contact with on-line for future face-to-face
contact and direct victimization. Parents and children should remember
that a computer-sex offender can be any age or sex - the person does not
have to fit the caricature of a dirty, older man wearing a
raincoat to be someone who could harm a child.
Children, especially
adolescents, are sometimes interested in and curious about sexuality and
sexually explicit material. They may be moving away from the total
control of parents and seeking to establish new relationships outside
their family. Because they may be curious, children/adolescents
sometimes use their on-line access to actively seek out such materials
and individuals. Sex offenders targeting children will use and exploit
these characteristics and needs. Some adolescent children may also be
attracted to and lured by on-line offenders closer to their age who,
although not technically child molesters, may be dangerous.
Nevertheless, they have been seduced and manipulated by a clever
offender and do not fully understand or recognize the potential danger
of these contacts.
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Office of Crimes Against Children
935 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20535
(202) 324-3666
National Center For Missing & Exploited Children
CYBER TIPLINE
1-800-843-5678
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