'Downtime' for children on the Internet
Recognising a new form of child abuse
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September 2003
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Abstract
The author argues that the community has a responsibility to protect children from abusive experiences through the Internet, especially those children whose parents are unable or unwilling to protect them. Internet risks to children are discussed, as are are types of children likely to be at risk, and the importance of recognising and responding to Internet abuse is highlighted. What is required is more research, and comprehensive prevention and intervention strategies to protect all children who use the Internet, and particularly those who may be most vulnerable to experiencing this form of abuse.
The author argues that the community has a responsibility to protect children from abusive experiences through the Internet, especially those children whose parents are unable or unwilling to protect them. Internet risks to children are discussed, as are are types of children likely to be at risk, and the importance of recognising and responding to Internet abuse is highlighted. What is required is more research, and comprehensive prevention and intervention strategies to protect all children who use the Internet, and particularly those who may be most vulnerable to experiencing this form of abuse.