Hong Kong, too, must keep its children safe from the dangers of online porn
Grenville Cross says a move to legislate such protection in the UK, by requiring age verification for entry to porn sites, should set an example for Hong Kong, where a children’s commission is sorely needed
Children faced many dangers in 2016, including the internet. Online pornography, notwithstanding its harmful content, is freely available to anyone with a computer, regardless of age.
It is far too easy for youngsters, whether inadvertently, out of curiosity, or as a result of peer pressure, to view adult websites, and the effects of pornography on their development can be devastating, involving emotional disturbance and long-term psychological damage.
Access to internet pornography must, therefore, be strictly controlled, as in the offline world, which means checking those seeking entry.
Internet porn viewed by 80pc of youngsters
There is, of course, no God-given right to view pornography online, and the internet service providers must effectively police their systems. If pornographic websites fail to check the status of people seeking access, they must face consequences. Age can be verified through personally identifiable information, such as a social media account, a credit card number or even a name and address.
Access to internet pornography must be strictly controlled, as in the offline world