Citation

Choo KKR. Trends Iss. Crime Crim. Justice 2009; 379.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Australian Institute of Criminology)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

As the internet and other forms of information and communications technology advances, opportunities for child sexual offenders and other financially-motivated cybercriminals to sexually exploit children will increase. Official statistics here and overseas indicate the number of investigations and prosecutions remain small but are increasing rapidly. This paper discusses non-legislative measures to address the issue of online child exploitation, particularly child grooming. Using knowledge of offending patterns and encouraging effective coordination and collaboration by government and private-sector entities enables law enforcement to develop strategies to address the problem. Social-networking sites are currently working with law enforcement agencies to protect children through the removal of known offenders from their websites. The financial services industry is assisting to eliminate offenders’ access to financial-payment systems. These types of joint and transnational initiatives reduce opportunities for, and the detection of, online child exploitations. Although it is well recognized that educational preventative strategies are required to raise awareness amongst young people and children, it is less clear what would be effective in encouraging them to report suspicious or explicit contact or material to parents and authorities.