Effects on children

      One common argument supporting the use of pornographic and violent material on the Internet is that one has the freedom of choice of view whatever they want to. That is, if one does not want to view offensive material on the Internet, then they can choose not to, but they should not deprive others the liberty to view offensive material. This argument, in my opinion, applies solely to individuals who have the ability to make choices based on their sense of right and wrong. However, children are individuals who do not have that ability. They are unable to discern right from wrong at a young age. They are like sponges, absorbing what they see, hear and learning from them. [1]

          Research has shown that young children learn aggressive behaviour from mediums such as television and film, and now the Internet. Many cases in America show proof of this. Recently, in America, a 6-year old boy turned a gun on his classmate and shot her to death over a small matter. He had probably been influenced by violent cartoons or shows depicting a fast and instant solution for dealing with one's enemies.

          Pornography would most likely depict women in a subservient manner; boys who grow up with a steady diet of such scenes are likely to end up with a negative view about women; that they are mere playthings and not to be taken seriously. They may grow up with a rape mentality; that women are meant to be abused, etc.

          A steady diet of pornography and violence would cause desensitisation in children. Their reaction to real- life violence is dulled and their sense of right and wrong is not defined. [2]

          In the face of such dangers, what can concerned parents do to protect their children?