Child Pornography
Evolution, Culture, Laws, Statistics, Internet, Morality, Abuse & Exploitation of Children, Education, Prevention, Support

Hello. Thanks for visiting our evolutionary philosophy of human sexuality pages. We are currently researching good quality sites relating to our biological and cultural sexual evolution - as a way of collecting and presenting the most important / latest knowledge and research.

Below you will find summaries of articles & websites on Child Pornography, i.e. definitions and the law, pedophilia, child sexual abuse and exploitation, the internet, virtual pornography, latest research on evolution and human sexuality, studies on children who are exposed to pornography, education & morality, informed consent, how to report, prevention strategies, support and counseling services.
Compared with other search terms, 'child p*rn' (rank 140) gets a high number of searches ('p*rn' is the 2nd highest sexrelated term, with 200,000 searches/day).

The top related searches are;
child p*rn (18,143), child pornography (3,171), russian ch... p*rn (1,000), free ch... p*rn (350), ch... p*rn pics (180), ch... p*rn filter propaganda (90), illegal ch... p*rn (80), child pornography laws (20), free ch... pornography (20)
The related terms 'lolita' (48,000) and 'preteen' (40,000) are significantly higher.
(For comparison also see: Internet Search Results - Top 200 Internet Search Terms)

The above search results must be disturbing to many people, particularly when subjects like physics (2,000) and philosophy (1,000) get so few searches.

Though many people will not like this conclusion, it seems that humans (in our ancestry) have most likely evolved to have an instinct for sexual relations with children (given certain environmental factors). Why must we conclude this?
There are four main reasons;

1. Sexual relations with children (pedophilia) have existed throughout history, and across all cultures. This eliminates culture as a cause, leaving our biological evolution as the only explanation.

2. Some argue (rather naively) that sex only concerns reproduction, and since children are not fertile, we could not evolve to have sexual relations with them. However, it is clear that copulation serves multiple functions (bonding, building immune system, hormone function, ...) all of which would be beneficial to both children and adults.

3. Other species engage in 'pedophilia'.

4. Search results (adult / sexual) relating to children are very high.

Now this obviously does not mean that we support child sexual abuse and pornography (even though these may be evolved instincts). Humans have also evolved a moral instinct, of which two central pillars must be Informed Consent, and Do Not Harm Others. Based on this pedophilia and child pornography both cause children harm, and are immoral. However, what is most important is to minimise harm in the future, and we strongly believe that an evolutionary approach (knowing the truth about things) is the best solution.

There are actually a lot of good academic articles and websites on Child Pornography where people are trying to help improve things. We believe that understanding the truth about our diverse sexual evolution is the best foundation from which to build better human relations.
Karene Jade Howie

Definition of Child Pornography and the U.S. Law

From the website: 'Displaying child pornography on the Internet is illegal in the United States. Child pornography is easier to define than more elusive concepts such as 'obscenity', but several categories of content exist that may or may not constitute child pornography, depending upon the circumstances.

Title 18 of the United States Code governs child pornography. It defines child pornography as:

'any visual depiction, including any photograph, film, video, picture, or computer or computer-generated image or picture, whether made or produced by electronic, mechanical, or other means, of sexually explicit conduct, where -

(A) the production of such visual depiction involves the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct;
(B) such visual depiction is, or appears to be, of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct;
(C) such visual depiction has been created, adapted, or modified to appear that an identifiable minor is engaging in sexually explicit conduct; or
(D) such visual depiction is advertised, promoted, presented, described, or distributed in such a manner that conveys the impression that the material is or contains a visual depiction of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct ... '

Definition of Child Pornography, Adult Websites and the Law
http://www.adultweblaw.com/laws/childporn.htm

How to Report Child Pornography and Sexual Abuse

From the website: 'Learn how and where to report child porn and abuse to trusted authorities and organizations worldwide. Please report child porn immediately! It does not matter if you discover the child abuse or child pornography on the net or the real world. It is easy to report child porn, so please report it to the listed contacts and they will take action against the harm done to the children.

We strongly discourage you from actively seeking child porn in order to report it. The reason is that having child porn on your computer and in your possession is illegal in many countries and so it should be. If you look at kiddie porn, you are no longer innocent because the children in the photos have been abused.'

Report Child Pornography and Sexual Abuse of Children
http://www.reportchildporn.net/

Paper on Child Pornography: 2nd World Congress on Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children

Academic paper on the definitions of child pornography, the harmful effects on children and society, the impact of technology and the internet, law enforcement operations, community responses, advice for parents, recommendations to educate and minimise harm.

Paper on Child Pornography: 2nd World Congress on Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children
http://www.ecpat-esp.org/documentacion/internet-porn/Child%20Pornography%20(II%20World%20Congress%20CSEC).pdf

Child Pornography Link To Abuse Of Children Unclear, Forensic Psychiatrist Says

If someone downloads child pornography onto their computer, is that an indication they're a pedophile, or might become one in the future?

That question is gaining the attention of forensic psychiatrists as never before, thanks to recent legislation making possession of Internet child pornography a federal crime constituting an unlawful transmission of information across state lines.

According to Dr. Charles L. Scott, associate professor of clinical psychiatry at UC Davis Health System, two federally commissioned studies, one in 1970 and the other in the 1980s, failed to find a strong correlation between viewing erotica and acting out sexually. He said that the decriminalization of pictorial pornography in several northern European countries in the 1960s and 1970s was not accompanied by an increase in the frequency of rape. Case studies of sex offenders - which Scott describes as potentially limited because they depend on self-reporting - have also not shown a clear link between pornography and the commission of sexual crimes.

Child Pornography Link to Abuse / Pedophilia is Unclear
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/10/061027153001.htm - University of California, Davis Health System.

Bill Henson: Artistic Nudes or Child Pornography?

The following article (including comments from readers) addresses very important problems faced by society. Is a nude body always sexual? What is art or pornography? Is the work depicting the beauty of children or exploitation? What are the rights of artists to show their work? The law of censorship?

From the website: 'Australian artist Bill Henson's portraits of children have been seized by police. The matter is currently under investigation, and police have indicated that child pornography charges may be bought against either the artist or the gallery, over images of a 13-year-old girl in a "sexual context".

Read More: Bill Henson: Artistic Nudes or Child Pornography?

Virtual Child Pornography & the U.S. Supreme Court

From the essay: 'Child pornography is an exception to First Amendment freedoms because it exploits and abuses our nation's youth. The latest trend in that industry is 'virtual child' pornography which does not use real children or images of real identifiable children. When the object of desire is not a child, but merely a combination of millions of computer pixels crafted by a skilled artist, can the government ban this allegedly victimless creation?'

Read More: A Study of Virtual Child Pornography on the Internet & the U.S. Supreme Court

Eroticism of Inequality: Virtual Child Pornography

From the website: 'The United States Supreme Court has recently ruled (2002) that virtual child pornography is protected free speech, partly on the grounds that virtual pornography does not harm actual children. I review the evidence for
the contention that virtual pornography might harm children, and find that it is, at best, inconclusive. Saying that virtual child pornography does not harm actual children is not to say that it is completely harmless, however. Child pornography, actual or virtual, necessarily eroticizes inequality; in a sexist society it therefore contributes to the subordination of women.'

Ethics of Virtual Child Pornography: The Eroticization of Inequality
http://web.mit.edu/21w.784/www/BD Supplementals/Materials/ Unit Two/Rape and Porn/virtual kiddie porn ethics.pdf
By Neil Levy. Centre for Applied Philosophy and Public Ethics, Department of Philosophy, University of Melbourne, Parkville Vic 3010, Australia

Computer Generated Child Pornography and the Law

From the website: 'Some countries, including Canada and Germany, prohibit 'virtual' child pornography in addition to the 'actual' variety. Virtual pornography comes in two forms: depictions in which adult models are made up to look like children, and artistic or computer simulations of children involved in sexual activity. Laws against virtual child pornography are controversial because they can cover a broad range of material, thus raising concerns about their impact on freedom of expression. In addition, the harm caused by virtual child pornography is less direct and obvious than that caused by actual child pornography.

In the 2002 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that two parts of the Child Pornography Prevention Act of 1996 violated the First Amendment. The act went beyond previous laws by prohibiting 'any visual depiction' that 'is, or appears to be, of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.' The Court held that the act’s ban on virtual child pornography, such as computer-generated sexually explicit images of minors, was unconstitutional because pornography could be banned only if it used real children or met the legal test for obscenity. It also invalidated a ban on presenting youthful-looking adults as children in pornographic materials. The Court noted that the act was so broadly worded that it prohibited not only child pornography but also forms of expression with serious literary, artistic, or political value.'

Virtual Child Pornography and the Law
http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761568395_2/Pornography.html

U.S. Senate Proposal on Photography of Minors on the Internet (and Cartoons)

A forthcoming bill in the U.S. Senate lays the groundwork for a national database of illegal images that Internet service providers would use to automatically flag and report suspicious content to police.

The proposal, which Sen. John McCain is planning to introduce, also would require ISPs and perhaps some Web sites to alert the government of any illegal images of real or 'cartoon' minors (which includes clothed teens in 'lascivious' poses). Failure to do would be punished by criminal penalties including fines of up to $300,000.

By Declan McCullagh. Staff Writer, CNET News.com. Published: February 7, 2007

U.S. Senate Proposal on Photography of Minors on the Internet (and Cartoons)
http://news.com.com/2100-1028-6156976.html?tag=tb

Pedophilia & Child Pornography Statistics

From the website: 'Pornography, especially child pornography, is used by pedophiles for three main reasons: (1) to stimulate themselves; (2) to destroy the consciences and lower the inhibitions and resistance to sexual activity in their intended child victims; (3) to teach a child what to model in the sexual encounter with the adult. (Det. Bill Dworin, Sexually Exploited Child Unit, LAPD)
* 87% of molesters of girls and 77% of molesters of boys studied in Ontario, Canada, admitted to regular use of hard-core pornography. (Dr. William Marshall, 1983)
* A content analysis of 373 issues of Playboy, 184 of Penthouse, and 126 of Hustler magazines, December 1953 to December 1984, yielded 6,004 child images as well as an estimated 14,854 images of crime and violence. Newsstand available child-depiction in the context of erotica/pornography, imagery received both of juvenile and adult readers, increased nearly 2,600 percent from 1954 to 1984. Close to 1,000 sexual scenarios included children with adults; 80 percent of the children were actively involved in all scenes; each magazine portrayed children as unharmed and/or benefited by adult/child sex.'

(source: the National Coalition for the Protection of Children and Families)

Pedophilia & Child Pornography Statistics
http://lrs.ed.uiuc.edu/wp/crime/childporn.htm

Children, the Internet & Pornography Prevention: A Guide for Teachers

From the website: 'Educators with Internet access in their rooms and buildings must make it a priority to supervise children on the Internet. Some schools have employed the use of filtering programs. A combination of teaching and filtering is the recommendation at the elementary level. Having a teacher nearby and actively interested in what the students are pursuing on the Internet can effectively deter inappropriate access. Having computers situated in rooms where the screen content can be viewed by the teacher at all times is also a good classroom deterrent.

Many agencies exist which allow people to be part of the 'cyberhood watch' on the Internet. Educators have an important responsibility to report Internet child pornography, as it is included in the area of child abuse.

Children, the Internet & Pornography Prevention Strategies for Teachers
http://lrs.ed.uiuc.edu/wp/crime/childporn.htm - By JoLynn Plato, Blessed Sacrament School, Springfield, IL

A Safe Internet: Education & Protection of Children

From the website: 'The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children found that one in five children age 10-17 who regularly use the Internet have received a sexual solicitation while online. One in four were unwillingly exposed to images of naked people or people having sex.
The National Coalition for the Protection of Children & Families believes it is important for people to be educated on Internet safety issues and ways to deal with inappropriate content and contact. Education and parental involvement is vital, but use of technology to monitor, block or filter content is extremely helpful.'

Read More: A Safe Internet: Education & Protection of Children, Pornography Filter Software & Tips for Parents

Sexually Aggressive Children: Abusive Backgrounds, Exposure to Online Pornography

From the website: 'Incidents of young children displaying sexually aggressive behavior towards others appear to be on the increase, and exposure to online pornography is a key factor, according to a study in Australia.

A Canberra-based health unit working with abused and abusive children has recorded a significant rise in the number of children aged younger than 10 who are committing sexual offences, including "oral sex and forced intercourse," against other children.

The report differentiates between sexual behavior in children regarded as normal and developmentally appropriate - the 'you show me yours and I'll show you mine' kind of games - and activity that was aggressive, secretive, coercive and usually involved an age difference between the perpetrator and victim.

Most of the children seen in this category came from troubled backgrounds, and 40 percent had been abused themselves. Of the 101 sexually-abusive children seen over the past three years, almost all had access to the Internet, and 90 percent admitted having seen sexually-explicit material online, the report said.'

By Patrick Goodenough. CNSNews.com Pacific Rim Bureau Chief. Nov 26, 2003

Sexually Aggressive Children: Abusive Backgrounds, Exposure to Online Pornography
http://www.cnsnews.com/ForeignBureaus/Archive/200311/FOR20031126a.html

This Page Title: 'Child Pornography: Evolution, Culture, Laws, Statistics, Internet, Sexual Morality, Children Abuse, Education, Support'.
The main sexuality pages on the evolution of our diverse sexual behaviors have good content and are well worth browsing (see links at top of page). And the list of related sexuality terms that people actually search is informative (to say the least!).
Want to be Involved? Join us in this research, which provides an excellent opportunity to present to the world the latest knowledge about the thing we all find most interesting - sex! The work will not just benefit humanity, it will profoundly enhance your own sexuality as you learn more about our complex and diverse sexual evolution.
We seek help in finding the latest scientific (evolutionary) research on our biological and cultural sexual evolution and distributing content (overviews / summaries) to relevant pages.
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If you would like to be involved (or have comments about this website) please write to us using the form lower on this page. Many thanks! Karene

Analyse any human emotion, no matter how far it may be removed from the sphere of sex, and you are sure to discover somewhere the primal impulse, to which life owes its perpetuation. ... The primitive stages can always be re-established; the primitive mind is, in the fullest meaning of the word, imperishable. ... Mans most disagreeable habits and idiosyncrasies, his deceit, his cowardice, his lack of reverence, are engendered by his incomplete adjustment to a complicated civilisation. It is the result of the conflict between our instincts and our culture. (Sigmund Freud)

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Child, Pornography, Evolution, Culture, Laws, Statistics, Internet, Sexual, Morality, Children, Abuse, Education, Support, Porn