The SAPS, through the FCS (Family Violence, Child protection and Sexual Offences) investigation unit, must be commended for the arrest of the five suspected sexual predators in Gauteng.

Section 18 of the Children’s Act, 2005 provides that a child is anyone under the age of 18 years old.

Posting nude photographs of children online can constitute child pornography, irrespective of purpose for taking the picture, because such nude photographs can be abused.

Photographs can be stolen and improperly used by paedophiles/sexual predators.

Posting photographs of children create a digital footprint. Anyone could easily copy the photo, tag it, save it, or otherwise use it and you might never know; and you may be unknowingly sharing your child’s location due to GPS-enabled phones and location-tracking integrated into photos by your camera or smartphone

While people may think it is acceptable to post nude photographs of children on social networks they must be aware of the dangers associated with such conduct.

In our digital world there are no boundaries anymore and people need to be aware that even though they perceive the use of social media to be “harmless,” posting nude photographs of children is giving carte blanche for sexual predators.

Individuals, parents, families, civil society, law enforcement authorities and all role players need to be mindful of child pornography and work together to eradicate it.

Darul Ihsan Media Desk