Internet Safety
www.northcarolinalions.org
Multiple District 31
Council of Governors
Program
While on-line computer exploration opens a world of possibilities for children, expanding their horizons and exposing them to different cultures and ways of life, they can be exposed to dangers as they hit the road exploring the information highway. There are individuals who attempt to sexually exploit children through the use of on-line services and the Internet. The North Carolina Lions realizes that our children are our nation's most valuable asset. They represent the bright future of our country and hold our hopes for a better nation. Our children are also the most vulnerable members of society. Protecting our children against the fear of crime and from becoming victims of crime must be a national priority. The Council of Governors have adopted Internet Safety as a pilot program in North Carolina; joining forces with law enforcement, educators and other organizations to educate our young people and their parents about the hidden dangers of the Internet.
Partnerships
The Facts
Information
4% of youth Internet users said online solicitors asked them for nude or sexually explicit photographs of themselves.
34% of youth Internet users communicated online with people they did not know in person; 11% formed close online relationships with people they met online.
13% say they have visited on-line sex sites. Boys and older youth were more likely to have viewed sexual material on purpose than girls or younger youth.
44% of boys and 55% of girls that use the Internet admit that they have talked about sex on-line.
A federal study of Internet-related crimes found sex offenders who met their victims online were targeting young teenagers by using their developmentally driven desire for romance and interest in sex to manipulate them into meetings for sexual purposes.
People using the Internet to threaten, embarrass, harass, and humiliate youth have been widely reported in the media. One in 11, or 9% of youth say they have been harassed online.
More than one-third of youth Internet users (34%) saw sexual material online they did not want to see.
A service of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
New Information
New Information
The Facts
CyberTip Line
Contact the CyberTip Line if you have information to help in the fight against child sexual exploitation. Your information will be forwarded to law enforcement for investigation and review, and when possible, to the appropriate Electronic Service Provider(s).
Michael H. Schwartz
Gastonia Police Department
Detective Michael Schwartz is a 22-year law enforcement officer who specializes in computer crimes. You can email him with your computer questions.
Got a question about Internet safety, on-line privacy or cybercrime?
Parents need to understand that the greatest risk our children face online is being denied access. The Internet is essential to our children's education, future careers and lives. But even the most experienced Internet user doesn't understand how children use the Internet and how to help them have a safer and more enjoyable surfing experience.