Unsolicited Obscene Material
Sent to a Child It is an
unfortunate reality of the Internet that children will
encounter obscene material online. Many times, this
material is attached as an image(s) or hyperlink(s)
sent to a child in an unsolicited email or "spam". To
combat this problem, NCMEC takes reports on
unsolicited obscene material sent to a child. It is a
violation of criminal law for any person to knowingly
or attempt to send or transfer obscene material to
another individual who has not attained the age of 16
years (18 USCA 1470, USA - similar in Canada).
Please report any
incidents where a child may have received visual
depictions of persons engaging in sexually explicit
conduct that is obscene. If you are an adult who
is concerned about adult obscenity not involving
children on the Internet, please make a report to
www.obscenitycrimes.org.
ONLINE
SAFETY BASICS
source -
www.safesurf.com
Here are some
basics to keep in mind when the children are online.
Use the
parental controls available on the commercial online
services. These services screen public content and provide
online hosts to monitor chat rooms. Check into filtering
software to screen out adult sites on the Web.
Consider
placing the computer in a "family room" in your home and
make use of the Internet a family activity. Check the screen
periodically and let your children know that you are
interested in what they are learning online.
Ask your
children where they go online, and have them show you. If
your children are more familiar with the Internet than you
are, let them teach you about it, you will both enjoy the
lesson!
Monitor
online time. Be aware of excessive hours on the Internet.
Make sure
your children are aware of online rules. They should know
never to give out their real name, address and/or telephone
number, or agree to meet with someone person to person.
Advise your children that some people on the Internet
conceal their real age and identity. Create a list of online
rules and post them by the computer.
Monitor your
modem telephone bill. Adult Bulletin Board Systems are easy
to access by any communications software. Check out any
unfamiliar numbers on your bill.
Support and encourage your child's use of the Internet, and
participate in new learning experiences. Acquaint yourself
with their online pals and email habits. Be aware of
correspondence with strangers.
