The internet has been a great benefit to society as it facilitates the sharing of information and reduces geographical distance in communication. It offers a plethora of educational skills for both children and adults and can act as a medium for referral and advice. Statistical data reports increasing numbers of young people making use of the internet.

In a particular study entitled Survey on the use of internet by students, that was conducted by the National Statistics Office, Malta in 2005, it was found that 79.1 per cent of schoolchildren, with equal proportions for boys and girls, access the internet. This same study also stated that “children spend more time on the internet than the parents actually think”.

The fact that the internet is easily accessible by children, sometimes unknowingly by their parents, has facilitated their increased access to offensive and age-inappropriate material. The opportunity for the sexual exploitation for children through online chatting has also increased, as the internet may allow offenders to be deceptive about their true intentions and identities.

The relationship between child abuse and the internet

Child abuse over the internet concerns a number of issues, including in particular children being exposed to sexually explicit or offensive material and online pictures and videos showing children who are engaged in sexual activities or posing in a sexually suggestive way.

The extent of this varies in severity. Offenders may lurk in internet chat rooms, gathering information, transmitting pornographic material or inviting a child to send his or her photos or undress in front of a webcam. On occasions, the offender may continue to converse with the child in a private chat room, and then ultimately arrange a real-life meeting. After a strong bond is formed, the adult may reveal his or her true identity.

However, this would not be of particular importance for the child since a friendship has now been created, the adult gaining the child’s full trust. The impact of such situations depends on the child’s development level, together with the reason behind viewing such material.

Needless to say, children who are abused over the internet suffer a lot.

Their sexuality may be distorted and disrupted, and the child may become upset and traumatised.

What is child pornography?

Most people may find it difficult to imagine child pornographic images. Moreover, child pornographic material has different legal definitions in different countries. At the simplest level, child pornography is defined as material showing a child who is engaged in or is depicted as being engaged in explicit sexual activity. The internet now also provides an easier and wider access to child abuse images which can be found on the web, via newsgroups and spam, through peer-to-peer applications, among others.

The perpetrator and the abused

Sexual offenders may target any child; however some children are at a greater risk than others. These include those who have experienced prior maltreatment, emotionally immature children with learning or social difficulties and problems with peer friendships, those deprived of love or attention, and children with low self-esteem (Stanley, 2001).

Another study conducted in 2003 also reports that “boys reporting low parental monitoring and adolescents troubled with depression, loneliness and related issues are more at risk of forming online relationships. They may turn to internet to ameliorate their depression.” (Wolak, Mitchell & Finkelhor, 2003)

Therefore it is important that parents and carers give attention, love and care to all children, but especially those who may have had to endure hardships.

A new service in Supportline 179

The new service in Supportline 179 aims to fight this dark side of the internet. The hotline within Supportline 179 promotes the use of a safer internet.

It provides awareness, information and tips about child abuse over the internet to the general public. The hotline has also created a safe and confidential environment wherein anyone can report child abuse over the internet. One may report via the internet or over the phone, in the following ways:

• The internet: A person may log on to Appogg’s homepage http://www.appogg.gov.mt and click on the link “Help us Stop Internet Child Abuse”. The hotline’s website will pop up.

The person submitting a report has the option to remain anonymous. Moreo-ver, one can leave his or her email so that the hotline will inform the person on the progress of the report. The website also provides links, tips and resources about internet safety.

• The phone: A person may dial 179. The volunteer will direct the caller to report online or pass the call to the hotline staff. Outside office hours, the caller may also choose to leave his or her contact numbers and other details, and would be contacted by hotline staff on the following working day.

Tips for young people

Be very cautious about passing personal information to others. A person may abuse of your name, phone number, email address, address or photograph of yourself. Do not give such material to someone you do not know.

Know where to draw the line. Remember that you draw the line. Shut down and turn off your computer if you feel unsafe.

Meeting a chat friend alone may cause you unpleasant experiences. Let your parents or friends know if you are going to meet a chat friend. Arrange the meeting during daytime in a place where other people are around. Never go to a meeting alone.

React and hold on to evidence. React if a situation is unpleasant. Remember to hold on to evidence like messages, emails or any other material. This makes it easier for adults to help you.

Talk to someone whom you can trust. It always helps to talk to someone if you have experienced something unpleasant.

…and for parents

Discover the internet together with your children. Agree with your child on guidelines which apply to internet use in your household.

Encourage your child to be careful when disclosing personal information.

Don’t be too critical towards your child’s exploration of the internet.

Children and youth may come across adult material by accident on the web.

If a child intentionally searches for such websites, remember that it is natural for children to be curious about off-limits material.

Try to use this as an opening to discuss the content with them, and perhaps make rules for this kind of activity.

Be realistic in your assessment of how your child uses the internet.

Keep your computer in a common room of your home where you can supervise its use. Buying filtering tools always helps as they minimise harmful material for your children.

However, they don’t substitute good parenting.

Help Supportline 179 make the internet safer.

Report any material you suspect may be illegal at http//www. appogg.gov.mt

Jean Paul Magrin is Psychology Officer, Appogg Hotline Service. Article provided by the Foundation for Social Welfare Services.