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The Internet offers the promise of many new educational resources and enriching experiences for children, but it is also a source of concern. In addition to criminal activity and obscene materials on the Internet, there are also concerns that children are vulnerable to Internet harassment or bullying, hate groups or web sites that promote violence, and sexually explicit materials that may be easily accessible on the Web.
There are many approaches to protecting children from harm - legal, regulatory, technological, social and educational. Several attempts by Congress and states to prohibit exposure of children to harmful materials have been blocked by courts as unconstitutional. The unique nature of the Internet can make it difficult to protect children from 'indecent,' 'harmful' or sexually explicit materials without interfering with the rights of adults.
In addition, questions remain about whether states can successfully regulate or prosecute crimes on the Internet, given the international and cross-jurisdictional nature of the Web. However, there are strategies available to state lawmakers to address these concerns. Specifically, state laws that prohibit luring or soliciting children online with criminal intent have withstood challenge. States are also amending child pornography laws explicitly to cover electronic materials. Other state approaches include:
- Funding of law enforcement initiatives that enhance officials' ability to prosecute Internet crimes
- Supporting educational approaches that teach children how to use the Internet wisely and safely
- Providing for schools and libraries to adopt acceptable use policies for the Internet
- Supporting industry initiatives and technological approaches to protecting children.
Protecting children and youth from inappropriate Internet material or experiences is in many ways a complex and difficult problem; a problem which requires a mix of approaches and trade-offs to be successful. This Web site was developed to provide state lawmakers with research and resources to address these issues.
 Children & the Internet
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