WHERE DOES PORNOGRAPHY COME FROM?

Sexually explicit material constitutes only a small fraction of online content, but that fraction is highly visible and controversial and accounts for a significant amount of Web traffic. And although content that may be inappropriate for children exists in magazines, television, movies, and on billboards, it can be much more accessible through the Web. Even the most graphic image may find its way onto a child's computer screen without being actively sought.

The most significant commercial source of pornographic material—one that charges money for access or is supported by advertisers—is the adult-oriented Web site. The adult online industry is generally thought of as the main source of sexually explicit material considered inappropriate for children. This section of NetSafeKids introduces you to this big business and explains how adult Web-site owners sell their wares and what it means for your kids.

When it comes to distributing pornographic material, however, the adult online industry isn’t the only game in town. NetSafeKids also examines the various Internet sources of non-commercial pornography that parents should know about.