Internet

The purpose of this article is to focus on the emergence, as well as the nature, extent and complexity of paedophilic activities on the Internet. The necessity for scientific research designed to curb Internet paedophilia in South Africa is discussed and an overview is provided of contentious concerns arising from the use of the Internet, such as children gaining access to adult pornography, children being portrayed in child pornography, as well as the risk of children being approached by paedophiles via the Internet. *To whom correspondence should be addressed Research that is not conducted within a clearly articulated methodological paradigm has limited value for researchers, academics, and profes-sionals dealing with the sexual abuse of children. Various magazine articles regarding Internet paedophilia have been published. According to Bezuidenhout (1994:43) authors of popular magazine articles usually do not have a scientific background and lack the expertise t