Some think the sexual exploitation of children exists in some netherworld far from daily life, but research reveals that the sexual abuse of children is thriving on the Internet. A 2001 report prepared by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) revealed that children who use the Internet frequently report that they are exposed to unwanted sexual material, solicitation, and harassment. However, these children seldom report their experiences to their parents. The NCMEC claims that child sexual exploitation on the Internet is the most underreported crime in the United States. Law enforcement agencies suggest that because the Internet is easily accessible and relatively anonymous, online child sexual exploitation may be one of the most difficult crimes to combat.

Sexual predators who use the Internet are not dirty old men in trench coats lurking with bags of candy down...