Roaming Through the Net’s Dark Side

The New York Times reports on minors operating web-cam pron sites for money.   I wonder if minors in this country are similarly exploited.  Last year, on-line sex ventures were subject to criminal prosecution (despite the fact they used no minors and in my opinion, were not committing any crime).  But when it involves children, it’s indefensible. 

For me, the NYT article raises vexing questions about being a parent in the Internet age.  We’re supposed to respect the closed doors and give our kids space to grow and mature — or at least get over their adolescent angst before they engage in habitual self-desctruction as a lifestyle.  But when they’re being exploited in the very home that’s supposed to shelter them from the depravities of the outside world, one can’t help but question the wisdom of embracing the Net (as I have) and encouraging our children to do the same.  The Net brings everything closer — the good and the bad — and I hope we can filter some things out.  But in the end, we can only go as far as teaching our kids to know the difference between right and wrong.  The tragedy is after that, it’s their choice.