Child Enticement on the Internet

The biggest problem with online child enticement and child pornography today is that the internet makes it too easy and opens the crime up to many people that would not otherwise engage in such activities. The internet sets the criminal in a safety cushion apart from his/her victim. It becomes an almost unreal world and the feelings of safety and anonymity the criminal gain makes them more dangerous and more willing to broaden their crimes. For instance, a man who in the past would have stuck to simply viewing child pornographic pictures might now feel secure enough to strike up a conversation with a child and his crimes grow much further than they would without the internet. (Knetzger & Muraski, 2008)

Not only does the internet make the criminal more brazen but it opens up more children to danger. The criminal now has access to any child that is online. His options are so broad that he/she is able to sort through children picking many targets in a short time. The internet also allows the criminal to groom more than one child at a time without ever talking to them face to face. (Knetzger & Muraski, 2008)

Perhaps the most dangerous and disturbing fact about the internet is the ability of a pedophile to group up with others of like mind. Once a group is formed they can exchange, photos, stories, advice, and even victims. In the past this would have been very difficult or maybe impossible. (Knetzger & Muraski, 2008)

The legal approach today is to place officers online in the guise of a minor and wait for a pedophile to pounce. All communications are recorded and the criminal is eventually tracked down and arrested. There are also volunteer groups helping law enforcement. The problem is that the internet is a breeding ground for pedophiles and there are not enough decoys to catch them all or even really make a dent. (Knetzger & Muraski, 2008)

Parents can be the biggest factor in keeping their children safe while online. First, know and restrict the web sites, chat rooms, communities, etc. that your children visit. Monitor not only their computer behaviour but also their cell phones. Run parental control software and teach them Internet saftey rules. Finally, make sure you enforce the rules and continue to monitor your children's Internet habits.

References

Knetzger, M & Muraski, J. (2008) Investigating High-Tech Crime. New Jersey, US: Prentice Hall