Lectura 2: What is online child abuse?

A.   Pre-reading tasks:

Answer the following questions orally

1. What do you think is this article about?
2. Do you worry about children/teenagers using the Internet?

What can you suggest for avoiding this problem?

A.   Read the following text:

Online child abuse includes:

1. making and downloading images of children being sexually abused; and
2. approaching a child online for sex. This could be sex online (e.g. sexual activity via text or webcam) or sex offline (meeting up for sex in the "real" world).

                How big a problem is online child abuse?

Due to the nature of child abuse, it is difficult to assess the full extent of online child abuse. It has, however, been estimated that there are over 100,000 websites worldwide containing images of children being abused. It has also been estimated that 1 in 5 young Internet users have received unwanted sexual solicitation through the Internet.  

                    What do children do online?

It has been reported that one of the most common uses of the Internet by young people is for research for school work and for gaining information about other areas. Other activities include: downloading music, keeping in touch with friends by chat and email, and playing games. Gender differences have also been reported with boys reporting using the Internet for playing games and downloading music and girls reporting using the Internet for email communication and school work.

                  Why do parents need to get involved?

It is important to remember that the Internet is a good place where children and young people can communicate, play, learn and work. However, as with many new or emerging technologies, the Internet has also raised new areas of concern. An awareness of these issues by parents can help to educate and protect children and young people while they are enjoying and using the Internet.

                    Where are children most at risk?

Children have reported receiving unwanted sexual solicitations in chat-rooms, while they were using Instant Messenger, via email, and on message boards.

             How do paedophiles find children online?

Adults target children through a variety of means – through member profiles in their Instant Message accounts, which often hold personal details and indicate their ages and which can be viewed publicly if a child hasn't requested otherwise. They will also ask young people who they have met online – for example in gaming sites, to add them to their friends contact lists so that they can chat to a children's network of friends.  

              How do I know if my child is at risk?

Children and young people may take part in all sorts of conversations and activities online with each other, some of which may be of a sexual nature. This is a normal part of growing up. However these kind of adolescent activities are very different from the activities and conversations that an individual with a sexual interest with children can initiate. If you have any concerns about your child's activities on the Internet, or if you find any record of inappropriate images or conversations, talk to them about your concerns as you would about any other concerns. If you remain worried, or want some help and advice, there are a variety of organizations that can assist.

            Are there any signs to indicate that my child is being abused online?

The vast majority of children is not being abused online and never will be. The following activities could be perfectly innocent but is worth being alert to potential signs: 1) becoming secretive; 2) downloading files onto discs; and 3) using encryption software. Changes in your child's behavior may act as indicators and these changes can include: a change in a child's self-esteem and self-confidence, withdrawal from the family and isolating themselves, difficulties at school, an increased level of anxiety, sleeping difficulties, concentration difficulties, and in some instances become excessively concerned with washing and cleanliness. It is important to remember that these behaviors can be a normal part of growing up, so it is important to establish the reasons why these changes are occurring and to seek help and advice if you are concerned.

           Should I stop my child from using the computer?

No, this would be an over-reaction. The fear of losing Internet privileges is one of the key reasons children don't tell parents about problems online. Instead you can help to educate your child about safe ways to use the Internet.

            What can I do to protect my child online?

Talk about safety rules with your child and reach agreement with your child about how they will behave online. You can also print out the safety rules and tape or stick them to the wall next to the computer. We also recommend:

1. keeping the computer in a public area of your house; 2. using parental control software; 3. encouraging your child to use moderated chartrooms; and 4. notifying the police if you have concerns about someone your child has met online.

            What can I do to stop online child abuse?

 Always remain vigilant and careful in your use of the Internet, and report any illegal activity that you discover.             Never be tempted to carry out "vigilante" investigations on the Internet in an attempt to identify offenders. Such investigations can be counter-productive. Please leave work of this kind to law enforcement professionals.

Adapted from: http://www.virtualglobaltaskforce.com/faqs.html (January 2015)

Activities

A.    

1.    Copy one condition from the text. State its type (0, I, II or III)

2.    Find two modal verbs from the text. State their function in Spanish.

3.    Write a list of two adverbs, two nouns and two adjectives from the text.

Adverbs:

Nouns:

Adjectives:

4.    Give the meaning of the prefix “un” in the word “unwanted”.

5.    State the function of the following words. Are they nouns, adjectives or verbs in the text? (See “ing”)

Approaching
Using

6.    Find examples of the following tenses and explain in Spanish why the author used such tenses:

	Example from the text	Use/Function in SPANISH
Simple present
Simple past
Simple future
Present continuous
Present Perfect

7.    Find a “noun-noun” structure.

8.    Find an example of Existence.

9.    Find an example of Possessive Case.

B.   READING COMPREHENSION

1. Copy some transparent words from the text:

2. Copy some key words from the text: