Star comment: We can all curb abuse on internet

We conduct business more quickly, we learn about far flung places at the click of a mouse, we shop from the comfort of our living rooms and we are entertained at Wi-Fi hot spots.

The internet, however, has also been misused by those who have scant regard for the welfare of others. Paedophiles gain access to and distribute abusive images of children using the worldwide web. They engage in other nefarious practices made easier by access to the internet. People should be in no doubt that destructive practices take place.

During the past year, 200 sex crimes were enabled in this region by the internet. The damage and life-changing trauma that is caused to victims should not be underestimated. Those who are abused suffer profound and damaging effects that last a lifetime.

It is incumbent upon us, therefore, to act. Teachers, youth workers, parents, relatives and other children can all play their part in preventing abuse.

They can adopt roles as whistle blowers, they can ward the vulnerable away from harm's reach, they can flag up danger before things go too far.

Make no mistake, the internet is a playground for the dark and depraved. It is a Wild West in which dreadful crimes occur. The challenge is to prevent them from taking place, to protect our children, to punish and re-educate those who think their behaviour is acceptable.

The police need additional resources to step up their fight against cyber crimes of all descriptions.

These tend to be difficult and complicated to foil but when it comes to sex crimes against children, austerity is no excuse. Crime prevention agencies must be adequately resourced to safeguard the vulnerable.

Schools must continue to play their part. Prevention and awareness should form a key part of all schools' strategies for teaching information technology. And parents must also become more vigilant.

They should be made aware that every child is potentially at risk.

Parents must be more proactive to keep their children safe. Internet filters are not always enough to deter the sick and perverted. Parents cannot be too careful or cautious.

We owe it to the next generation and we must not be complacent.

A no-stone-left-unturned approach is the only one we should countenance as we all work hard to tackle these deeply disturbing crimes.