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What are child pornography, cyber-bullying and grooming?

CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

Although there is no standard global definition for child pornography, the United Nations defines it as any representation, by whatever means, of a child engaged in real or simulated explicit sexual activities, or any representation of the sexual parts of a child for primarily sexual purposes.

CYBER-BULLYING

In recent years, experts have identified a new form of bullying which is carried out by electronic means: cyber-bullying.  This harassment occurs between equals in a new-technology environment and may include blackmail, harassment and insults. In cyber-bullying situations both the victim and the perpetrator are children, perhaps classmates, who have everyday contact.

GROOMING

Similar to cyber-bullying, this is a new situation threatening the safety and welfare of children. Grooming is a form of child harassment perpetrated by an adult. It entails actions carried out to befriend and to emotionally control the child with the aim of preparing him/her for sexual abuse. These situations may have an implicit or explicit sexual content.

CONCLUSIONS

The main difference between the last two categories is that cyber-bulling is harassment between equals, whereas in grooming the perpetrator is an adult and there is a sexual motive.

Neither is a new; these are existing forms of abuse adapted to new technologies. And although they start over they Internet, they often cross over to the real world, leading to crimes such as trafficking in child pornography and the physical abuse of children.

Grooming and cyber-bullying are 2 serious online threats to children. It is therefore essential that both parents and education professionals have the information they need to know on how to act when faced with these situations. 

For further information read our section on Channels for reporting in the FAQ section.