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 ore 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, unkempt,
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.
This guide was prepared from actual investigations
involving child victims, as well as investigations where law enforcement
officers posed as children.
Further information on protecting your child on-line
may be found in the National Center for Missing and Exploited
Children's Cyber Tipline at 1-800-843-5678, www.cybertipline.com.
