Initiative sets sights on a safe childhood for all

It's hard to imagine life without the Internet.

We keep in touch via e-mail, we track down family genealogy on a variety of private and public Web sites and who hasn't wandered through Wikipedia or any of the other thousands or reference sites.

Yet, it also has a dark side as has every media before it. Spam, X-rated Web sites and pornography also have found a place on the Internet and in today's information age.

There is a growing and frightening trend of the threat of sexual exploitation crimes committed against children using the Internet. According to the Department of Justice, which has launched Project Safe Childhood, 1,227 child exploitation cases were brought by federal prosecutors involving child pornography, coercion and enticement offenses during the fiscal year 2005.

Project Safe Childhood is an initiative designed to protect children as they navigate the Internet. The initiative's goal is to enhance the national response to the threat of child pornography offense and "traveler" or enticement crimes.

Key components of Project Safe Childhood include integrated investigations, major case coordination and improved training. In addition, community awareness and education programs are planned to raise awareness of the threat of online predators and provide tips and tools to parents and youngsters.

Caroline Lobsinger is the managing editor of the Daily Bee.