INTERNET AND CHILDREN

Internet and Children

Internet and Children

Introduction

With the internet quickly becoming available in the majority of households across America, criminals now have a new arena to commit crimes (Schmalleger, 2006). For a criminal to access the internet they need only a few items. First, they must have a monitor, hard drive, and keyboard (basic computer components). Second, they must have a modem to facilitate access to the internet. Lastly, they need an internet service provider (ISP) such as America Online or People PC. Because computer technology is quickly overtaking this nation, there are relatively few people who do not know how to set up a computer system to access the internet; however, for those who do not there are many aids and information accessible in many different forms (such as books) to assist a user. Once a user has accessed the internet, it is also relatively easy to understand as there are also a variety of online tutorials to learn the in and outs of internet surfing.

Facilitating the criminal desire is the perceived degree of anonymity that cyber space holds. When accessing cyber space many individuals feel they are not in reality but a virtual realm where they can go undetected. In many instances, it is this anonymity that allows potential criminals to feel free to explore their criminal fantasies. To further facilitate criminal anonymity is the rapidly advancing technology of computer programs that use encryption, scramblers, and re-routers. These programs make tracing an IP address or finding an online criminal much harder, and in some cases nearly impossible.

Profiles of Internet Predators

According to crisisconnectioninc.com, there is a relative profile of internet predators. For example, approximately ninety-four to ninety-six percent of internet child predators are men, twelve and a half percent are married, and they can range in age from thirteen ...