Members of Scottish Parliament (MSPs) have figured out one way of trying to protect children from Internet predators: stricter new laws.
The newly passed Protection of Children Bill will make it a crime to set up meetings with anyone under the age of 16 through Internet chat rooms. Under the new law, the offense carries a sentence of up to 10 years. In addition, a risk of sexual harm order (RSHO) can be imposed by the courts to curb the activities of anyone suspected of being a danger to children. According to a story published on BBC News, the RSHOs will stand even if the individual has not been convicted of an offense.
The bill also alters a previous law that made it illegal to purchase sexual services from anyone younger than 16 by setting the minimum age at 18. The legislation covers anything from prostitution and pornography to lap dancing and sex chat lines, and also includes taking or possessing indecent pictures of those under age 18.
“The sexual abuse of children is an appalling crime,” said Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson on the passing of the bill. “The physical harm it can do to children is horrific, but even once the physical wounds have healed, the emotional and psychological trauma can continue for years to come. That’s why we must do all we can to stop this from happening to our children and why we must make sure the law allows for early intervention to prevent predatory sex offenders targeting our children.”
It was noted that detectives would be able to play the role of a child online in order to maintain contact with a potential offender. In addition, an RSHO against a person can be obtained by police within six months of two incidents of “inappropriate behavior” being reported to them.
Those who breach the order may be punished by sentences of up to six months in prison and/or fines of £5,000.
“The sexual grooming of children is a particularly heinous crime, but now at least this bill will give us the measures to deal with anyone caught trying to do so,” said conservative Deputy Justice Spokeswoman Margaret Mitchell, who backed the new law. “This sends out a strong message that grooming and pedophilia will not be accepted here and that we will do everything in our power to protect our children and catch these criminals.”
