Publication Date

Fall 2017

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Administration

Department

Public Administration

First Advisor

Natalia Ermasova, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Mary D. Bruce, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Michel, Nguessan, Ph.D.

Abstract

The availability of the Internet has become increasingly easier to children due to technological advancements. An increasing number of children have access to smart phones and tablets, hence, allowing their susceptibility to become a cyber victim, as parental control is lacking. Concerns about the role of technological change in relation to sexual crimes against children, sexual exploitation and potential harm have been expressed in the USA for some considerable time. These have been reflected in a change in legislation with respect to abusive images of children (child pornography) and its attendant violent content. This study examined the impact of child cyber sexual exploitation. The study also explored the methods predators used to prey on children, the role child’s behavior played in their susceptibility to being seduced, and the role education system play to protect children. It was important to conduct this study as previous studies did not really address the fact that security measures are lacking as well as knowledge on the potential dangers of the Internet. The researcher used interview questions to carry out this study by getting the opinions of the Police Officers at the Bradley Police Department, Bradley, Illinois since these are the officers who work on the Cyber Crime against the children. The study identified the security measures that are lacking as well as knowledge of the potential dangers of the Internet. Also the education systems are not mandated to incorporate Internet safety courses into the curriculum as many educators themselves lack the necessary knowledge on the subject. The study also revealed that many parents lack knowledge on Internet safety and feel their children may be more tech-savvy, making Internet safety conversations more difficult. This allows a child the opportunity to utilize the Internet unsupervised, as many parental controls can be bypassed.

Comments

Appendixes relating to protection of human research subjects were removed from public posting.

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