March 6, 2008

Kennedy Announces Passage of Resolution Aimed at Preventing the Exploitation of Children

(March 6th, 2008, Buffalo, NY) Legislator Tim Kennedy recently announced the passage of a resolution designed to prevent the exploitation of children. Kennedy stated that "recent advances in computer technology have dramatically changed our society." Internet chat rooms, blogs and peer-to-peer networks now make communicating via the Internet fast and easy. "Unfortunately, many of these benefits are overshadowed by misuses," stated Kennedy. The recent advances in computer technology regrettably have been aiding sexual predators, stalkers, child pornographers, child traffickers and others who intend to exploit children.

Taking all these facts into account, The Erie County Legislature unanimously passed a resolution designed to fight the exploitation of children in the Internet Age. The molestation and sexual exploitation of children has been identified as a major public health issue throughout communities nationwide. With the help of the Internet, possession and distribution of child pornography is growing at an alarming rate. Statistics show that child pornography is now the fastest-growing of all Internet businesses, estimated to bring in several billion dollars each year.

Kennedy declared that "by passing this piece of legislation, the legislature went on record supporting the New York State Senate Bill Number S6747. This Bill protects people who use the Internet from convicted sex offenders." The Bill also enables Internet entities to prescreen or remove sex offenders from their services and allows, as a sentencing condition, the imposition of a limitation of Internet use by sex offenders.

Kennedy proclaimed, "I co-sponsored this resolution as an Erie County Legislator, but more importantly, as a concerned parent. Our children are the future of this community and this resolution is designed to protect them." According to the National Cyber Security Alliance, there are many simple ways to protect your children from online predators. Parental control tools can be implemented; however, it is important to remember that no program is a substitute for parental supervision. To ensure Internet safety, parents are encouraged to keep their home computers in a central, open location. Parents are also asked to set rules for computer use. Effectively communicating with your child is vitally important and can often times ensure their Internet safety.

To learn more about protecting your children online, visit www.staysafeonline.org and www.getnetwise.org. These valuable resources provide simple steps designed to dramatically reduce Internet threats. In addition, feel free to contact Legislator Kennedy’s district office by calling 824-6180.

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