Study has new take
on Net predators

Most kids know the adults
want sex, researchers say

DURHAM, N.H. >> Children who befriend sexual predators on the Internet often know the adults want a sexual relationship with them, according to a new study presented yesterday at the annual convention of the American Psychological Association in Honolulu.

Researchers at the University of New Hampshire's Crimes Against Children Research Center say the findings suggest the need for a new approach to preventing Internet sex crimes.

Their findings, based on more than 2,500 local, state and federal investigations ending in an arrest, found that most offenders targeted teenagers and not children under age 12.

Only 5 percent of the offenders tried to deceive victims about being older adults, and only 21 percent lied about their sexual motives, in most cases by making promises of love and romance.

The study found few offenders used force or abduction to sexually abuse their victims. In many cases the victims, primarily ages 13-15, met and had sex with the adults on more than one occasion.

In about half the cases, the teenagers were described as being in love or feeling close to the offenders.

The authors say this suggests prevention must focus on vulnerable youth who are willing to have sex with adults they meet online.

Those considered at risk often have poor relationships with their parents, are lonely or depressed and include gay teenagers or those questioning their sexual orientation, they said.

The study was funded by the National Center on Missing and Exploited Children and the U.S. Department of Justice.