Child pornography

The term child pornography (sometimes referred to as kiddie porn) generally refers to pornography featuring a child; however, the precise definition of "pornography" and "child" varies by region and country. It is widely prohibited by law, and faces the disapproval of most members of society.

Issues surrounding prohibition

Laws in various jurisdictions often treat the production, distribution, and possession of child pornography differently. Each aspect of prohibition has some distinct justifications and counter-arguments.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Production

The production of child pornography may involve child sexual abuse. However, it can also show natural sexual play among children or masturbation. The production of simulated child pornography (see below) does not involve real children. Some argue that child abuse and/or sexual abuse laws should be the standard and basis for prosecution. In some jurisdictions production is explicitly prohibited regardless of whether there is a risk of children being actually harmed.

Related Topics:
Child sexual abuse - Sexual play among children - Masturbation

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Few producers are caught and prosecuted, however. Most people are prosecuted merely for distribution of child pornography. Possession of child porn is frequently used to provide additional charges against people accused of other sexual crimes.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Distribution

The distribution of child pornography increases its availability. Some argue prohibition of distribution may serve to protect the subjects of the material, who cannot give informed consent, and may suffer additional trauma from the knowledge that these images are being distributed.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Commercial trade in child porn by the producers motivates them to produce further pornography, while commercial trade in materials obtained from other sources may indirectly stimulate the existence of the child porn market. Some argue that non-commercial trade and sharing of existing child porn can serve as a substitute for new materials and lead to decrease in production.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Possession

It has been suggested that the consumption of child pornography causes pedophilia and lowers the threshold of a person's willingness to engage in sex with a child, and in the case of the additional crime of showing the images to a child, persuade the child into engaging in sexual activity with an adult. This argument also supports banning simulated child porn or porn with young-looking actors above the age of consent. On the other hand, it is argued that these materials potentially give pedophiles a sexual outlet, thereby lowering sexual frustration and the risk of committing abuse.

Related Topics:
Pedophilia - Age of consent

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~