KOCHI: The spurt in rape cases and sexual exploitation of minors has sounded alarm bells in the state. Experts say porn viewing on the net, especially among youngsters, is linked to the rise in sex-related crimes.
Criminologist James Vadackumchery says children getting access to porn videos online is one reason behind the increasing number of rape cases. He cites a recent incident in one of the schools, where a student was caught showing porn video clips on his phone to others for a fee of Rs 2.
“Porn content through social media provides enough secrecy to children,” says Vadackumchery. “Even parents are unaware their children are watching adult content through mobiles bought for helping them in studies. After watching these videos, their mindset will be moulded differently towards sex and women. In most rape cases, the accused will be a frequent porn viewer.”
Psychologist Prakash Chandra says children, especially boys, access porn. As far as rape is concerned, it is stimuli. The main concern about social media is it provides a platform for predators to find easy prey. “With parents busy with office and home, children are not monitored in the right manner,” he says.
“With a fully-loaded smart phone, they find happiness in chatting with strangers in social media. When the relation turns into an affair, the victim agrees to send photographs and lands in trouble. Parents and children have to be made aware about the negative aspects of social media.”
Chandra says the assistance of a psychologist can be sought to explain the negative aspects to children.
Till the early 90s, B-grade movie halls were the only sleaze avenue for Malayalees, especially youngsters. Then video cassettes and cable TV made porn accessible across the state. The advent of CDs and DVDs made it even more easier. But the proliferation of smartphones and social media in the last 10 years has changed the scenario, making kinky videos available at the tap of a finger.