Editorial

The recent government initiative to address child exploitation and abuse on the internet once again focuses our attention on a very grave reality.

In a culture that frowns on any form of control or censorship, the internet has opened up the floodgates to all sorts of dangerous and degrading influences, polluting this amazing instrument of modern communication. Websites offering pornography are the most visited sites on the internet. Peddling pornography is one of its most lucrative and prevalent aspects.

So although the internet is a powerful tool for schoolwork and knowledge, it is also a significant danger, offering pornography to underage children and the real risk of a personal contact with an undesirable internet "friend".

Studies on the effects of pornography observe a process of "escalation" in which habitual users progressively seek more extreme images. In turn some of these corrupted individuals tend to use the internet to prey on youth and young children.

The National Statistics Office points out that the use of the internet by children at home is very high. Over 90 per cent of secondary school children make use of it and almost 70 per cent have their computer in their study or bedroom. Only last year, the NSO found that one in every three students is exposed to pornographic, violent and racist material when browsing.

As the Foundation for Social Welfare Services' chief executive officer Joe Gerada said, "Children are just a click away from pornography, racism and violent material over the internet. It is our business as social actors to proactively answer to such a major concern".

Meanwhile, a staggering 50 per cent of children use chat rooms, particularly girls. That children use chat rooms to communicate with total strangers is deplorable. Disturbed and decadent adults are bound to prey on vulnerable subjects in such a medium that enables them to effortlessly, and initially anonymously, penetrate the sanctuary of the home.

Shockingly, the NSO also found that one in five schoolchildren end up meeting a stranger after having chatted online. Every effort should be made to thwart the enemy within our own homes. Therefore, it is vital to inform and educate parents with children at risk. Parents should be provided with the necessary know-how to block access to these corrupting influences.

In order to help fight this scourge, a new hotline run by Agenzija Appogg and coordinated by Bernadette Cilia has recently been set up. The public is being invited to report sexually explicit images of children and malicious contact with children via chatlines. Callers can remain anonymous.

However, Mr Gerada pointed out that although this is a step in the right direction, fighting the danger needs the involvement of ministries, the police and the internet industry, as well as further research into children's use of the new media.

The use of the internet is here to stay. Yet our children have a right to a wholesome upbringing. With the help of society, parents have to protect them from negative influences that will stunt their psychological and moral development.

Any complacency in allowing this Trojan horse of corrupting influences to establish itself in the heart of our families will have disastrous consequences for the well-being of our young generation.